Insects are among the most remarkable and significant animals on Earth. Their diversity, ecological function, and influence on agriculture, human health, and natural resources make them essential.
They have existed for millions upon millions of years. Without them, the world we inhabit today would not exist. They are among the most extraordinary and peculiar creatures. Others are charming, while others are pretty frightening. They are praised for several qualities, including their speed and agility.
If these insects were not so fast, their impact on the world would be very different. Here is an exhaustive list of the world’s fastest insects.
8. TIGER BEETLE
Speed: 9 kilometers per hour
Habitat/Range: Worldwide; In almost any habitat type
Scientific Name: Cicindelidae
Average Lifespan: 1-4 years
photo source: Wikimedia Commons
Tiger beetles are a diverse group of insects that spend most of their lives as underground larvae, ambushing victims. Then, they emerge from their burrows to hunt and breed as adults.
They are found all over the planet and in virtually every habitat type. You can find them in rainforests, deserts, ocean beaches, and mountain peaks. But, even in the most challenging environments, these insects inhabit the most perilous locations.
The majority of the 2,760 species of tiger beetle live on the ground, where they sprint and halt in search of the tiny insects and spiders they consume. They are highly aggressive predators, aided by their amazing speed and enormous, sword-like mandibles, which they utilize to seize their prey.
They are predatory insects with extraordinarily lengthy legs that allow them to move quite quickly. Interestingly, due to their capacity to run swiftly, these insects become momentarily blind when hunting. This requires them to halt and reposition themselves before continuing the pursuit.
They are solitary insects that are most active during the day, as they are significantly less active at night.
Did You Know:
Tiger beetles have powerful jaws that are enough to pierce and wound human skin.
7. LOCUST
Speed: 14.4 kilometers per hour Habitat/Range: Worldwide except Antarctica and North America Scientific Name: Acrididae Average Lifespan: 3-5 months
photo source: Flickr
Throughout history, locusts have been respected and dreaded. These insects, which are related to grasshoppers, produce vast swarms that move over regions, consuming crops and leaving behind severe agricultural damage.
Except for Antarctica and North America, locusts are found on all continents. Typically solitary, they purposefully avoid touch with one another. But contact is certain when conditions are favorable, especially after a substantial amount of rain. Then, the insects begin to transform as they collide with one another.
Approximately one hour later, they become attracted to one another and swarm together.
Large swarms of locusts can totally strip grasses and forbs of their leaves and stalks. Others have a more specialized diet than others. They will hunt for weak or deceased grasshoppers when plant food is short.
Did You Know:
Locusts are some of the oldest animals in the world and can be traced back to the time of the dinosaurs.
6. HAWK MOTHS
Speed: 19 kilometers per hour Habitat/Range: Worldwide; Most common in tropical regions Scientific Name: Sphingidae Average Lifespan: 10-30 days
photo source: Wikipedia
The hawk moth species reach an average size of 3 to 5 inches (7 to 12 centimeters) in length, with a wing span of 2 to 2 7/8 inches (5-20 cm). In addition, they have an extremely lightweight body and are adorned with incredible color patterns.
The dorsal body is vibrant and features innovative and appealing patterns, whereas the ventral body is rather dull. They have thin legs and two antennae on their heads.
They are prevalent in the continents of Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. According to studies, there are approximately 1,450 species of moths belonging to the family Sphingidae on Earth.
They are known for their ability to pollinate and spend the majority of their time in the air. Therefore, they are commonly mistaken for hummingbirds because they are known to hover around flowers and sip their nectar, unwittingly pollinating them, and because they flap their wings quite rapidly while doing so.
Did You Know:
A hawk moth is featured on the famous poster for the film, “The Silence of the Lambs.”
5. HONEYBEE
Speed: 22-32 kilometers per hour Habitat/Range: Worldwide; native to Eurasia Scientific Name: Apis Average Lifespan: 2-5 years (queen bees), 30-60 days (worker bees)
photo source: Wikimedia Commons
Honey bees are well-known for their ability to gather nectar from flowers and produce honey. Honey bees are yellow and brown. They have robust bodies covered in numerous hair follicles to which pollen sticks.
Apis mellifera, the most well-known honey bee species, is indigenous to Africa and Eurasia. Honey and beeswax have long been harvested from honeybee hives. They have complex social structures and dwell in vast groups. The queen bee, drones, and worker bees each contribute to the maintenance of the colony in a unique way.
The queen bee is responsible for laying a significant number of eggs. Therefore, the primary role of male drones in an ant colony is to fertilize the queen bee.
Worker bees are responsible for carrying out all the necessary responsibilities for the organization and upkeep of the hive.
Did You Know:
The queen bee may lay 600-1,500 eggs daily during her three or four years.
4. HORNET
Speed: 24-35 kilometers per hour Habitat/Range: Asia, North America, Europe Scientific Name: Vespa Average Lifespan: 5 years (queens), 40-50 days (workers)
photo source: Wikimedia Commons
Hornets are found in many places in North America, Asia, and Europe and are some of the most poisonous bugs in the world. They usually build their nests on the tops of trees or roofs. They are also called “nature’s pest controllers” because they like to eat other insects, like aphids that hurt plants.
Workers use powerful stingers to protect the hive. Even though these insects don’t sting people unless provoked, some people are allergic to their venom, and a sting can be very dangerous for them. In addition, their stings are excruciating, and if they think their hive is in danger, they can attack as a group.
Like many other insects, they eat nectar and plants but also eat bees, grasshoppers, and other insects for protein.
Did You Know:
Hornet stings can cause severe allergic reactions in some people and can sometimes result in death if not treated immediately.
3. DRAGONFLY
Speed: 56 kilometers per hour Habitat/Range: Worldwide except Antarctica Scientific Name: Anisoptera Average Lifespan: 7-56 days
photo source: Flickr
Dragonflies, which may be found on all continents except Antarctica, are easily identified by their enormous bodies, four long, horizontal wings, and the way they hover and move quickly.
They can fly backward with grace at speeds of up to 56 mph by taking off vertically like a helicopter. Each of their nearly touching compound eyes has roughly 28,000 separate eyes or ommatidia.
There are currently 7,000 species of real dragonflies, which, together with the closely related damselflies, make up the 325 million-year-old order Odonta. Several species of fish and birds rely on these incredible insects for sustenance. The dragonfly lives in various environments, including forests and freshwater bodies like lakes, ponds, marshes, and streams.
Did You Know:
Dragonflies are some of the earliest animals ever to take flight. Ancient dragonfly fossils have been found that reached two-foot wingspans.
2. Brown Planthopper
Speed: 80.6 kilometers per hour Habitat/Range: Worldwide Scientific Name: Nilaparvata lugens Average Lifespan: 10-20 days
photo source: Research Outreach
Planthoppers are well-known insects for their ability to extract sap from the xylem and phloem of plants, effectively draining the plants of their life force. Unfortunately, in the process of doing so, they not only leave a dark white moss on the plants but also spread illnesses among the plants.
The life span of these Hemiptera insects, which belong to the order Hemiptera, is not particularly long. They can have three generations in a single year, and researchers have uncovered evidence of as many as 12 generations of hoppers in a single year.
However, the time it takes for the planthopper’s life cycle to complete varies depending on the season.
1. HORSEFLY
Speed: 145 kilometers per hour Habitat/Range: Worldwide; warm areas Scientific Name: Tabanidae Average Lifespan: 30-60 days 
photo source: Wikipedia
With a lightning-fast speed of 145 kilometers per hour, horseflies are the fastest insects in the world. The family Tabanidae includes horseflies. The females of the species suck animal and, in some cases, human blood, while the males subsist on pollen and nectar.
As a result, the males are considered crucial flower pollinators, especially in South Africa and Africa.
In some locations, they are also known as “Gadflies.” They are a worldwide annoyance because they can be found everywhere except in some polar regions and islands. They prefer to graze and hunt during the day in damp areas and steer clear of dark areas.
Horseflies are aggressive insects, and the females are the ones who bite. In addition to assaulting horses and goats, they also attack humans. In addition, they frequently spread other bacteria that cause illness while feeding on human blood.
Did You Know:
Horseflies only bite during the daytime.