The mite Paratarsotomus macropalpis from Southern California runs about 322 body lengths per second. Relative to its body size, it is the fastest known living creature. Applied to a human, that would correspond to a speed of about 2000 km/h.

At the Limits of Biomechanics

The mite moves at the limits of what is biomechanically possible. Its legs and muscles work at an enormous frequency. Yet the animal neither overheats nor “falls apart” structurally. That requires an extremely precise combination. It must include tissue structure, joint geometry, and neural control.

Inspiration for Technology

Technical experts emphasize how much technology can learn from this animal. This is especially true in robotics and adhesion mechanics. If it ever succeeds to build something at a comparable level, people will speak of outstanding engineering. Or they will call it a marvel of technology.

Question of a Creator

All the more astonishing is that so few people do not think a brilliant Creator stands behind the ultra-fast mite. Such a Creator would deserve all honor and recognition. Could it be that many find the thought of a Creator too uncomfortable? They will have to answer to Him in a coming day.