It only takes a bug jumping once for you to remember a detail like that for the rest of your life.
Insects that jump are unpleasant, but it’s even worse if they’re allowed to take over your home. Some of the most stubborn among them, like fleas, prove difficult to kick out once they’ve set up base in your house.
That’s why Dewey Pest Control wants to inform you about all manner of small jumping bugs and empower you in the various ways you can take action today to cut down their numbers. Fortunately, with the right tools and strategies, you can go from flustered to pest-free without breaking a sweat.
Jumping and hopping are unique forms of locomotion that allow some insects and arachnids to propel themselves into the air to escape predators or catch prey. While most bugs crawl or fly, the select few species that can jump and hop boast specialized anatomy and physiology that power their remarkable leaps. Let’s explore 25 of the most incredible jumping and hopping bugs from around the world.
1. Grasshoppers
Grasshoppers are masters of jumping with their powerful hind legs that can launch them 20-50 times their body length into the air. Their massive femur thigh muscles contract slowly, building up force like a compressed spring. When released, the rapid straightening of the legs sends grasshoppers sailing skyward at accelerations up to 20 Gs. Some species even twist mid-jump to change direction in pursuit of prey.
2. Fleas
Fleas hold the record for horizontal jumping, able to leap more than 100 times their body length. But unlike grasshoppers, fleas have no muscles in their legs. Instead, they have an internal “spring” called a resilin pad that stores and releases energy like a catapult. Fleas also use microscopic claws on their feet as traction to enable their incredible leaping ability.
3. Springtails
As their name suggests, these tiny insects jump using a spring-loaded mechanism. Under their abdomens they have a forked appendage called a furcula that latches onto their underside. Releasing the furcula strikes the ground and flings them into the air like a catapult, allowing them to jump up to 4-6 inches.
4. Froghoppers
Aptly named after their impressive leaping skills, froghoppers can jump up to 27 inches thanks to their enlarged back legs powered by huge trochanter muscles. They achieve acceleration forces of over 400 gs, which scientists think is due to a catapult-like muscle contraction.
5. Leafhoppers
While not as adept as froghoppers, leafhoppers can still manage jumps of 3-4 inches using enlarged back legs. They accomplish this through rapid and synchronous trochanter muscle contraction in both hind limbs, generating the power needed for their small bodies to hop away from threats.
6. Click Beetles
Click beetles perform an unusual flipping jump using a specialized hip joint with a latch mechanism. By suddenly releasing the latch, the body is catapulted upwards with an audible click, allowing the beetle to flip in mid-air and hopefull right itself if stranded on its back. The “click” gives these beetles their name.
7. Flea Beetles
As members of the leaf beetle family, it’s no surprise flea beetles are prodigious jumpers to escape danger. They have enlarged hind femurs packed with muscles that enable the tiny beetles to leap up to 8 inches into the air, or about 100 times their body length. Their jumping skills help them quickly evade predators.
8. Snow Fleas
Despite their name snow fleas are actually a type of springtail perfectly adapted to living in snowy habitats. They use their furcula to propel themselves through the air to avoid predators, leaping up to 2-3 inches high. Their dark coloration also helps them absorb heat to survive the cold.
9. Jumping Spiders
With their strong leg muscles, jumping spiders can leap up to 6 inches onto unsuspecting prey like flies and moths. Some species even have directional control mid-jump by changing leg positions, helping them accurately pounce on victims. Jumping allows them to hunt without spinning webs.
10. Jumping Bristletails
This primitive insect uses a catapult-like mechanism to jump It has a three-pronged abdominal structure that latches in place, building potential energy when compressed Releasing the latch results in one prong suddenly striking the ground, releasing the energy and flinging the bristletail into the air.
11. Froghoppers
As their name suggests, froghoppers leap long distances thanks to enlarged hind legs containing massive trochanter muscles that generate jumping force when contracted. Using this frog-like jumping ability, froghoppers can leap up to 20 times their body length through the air.
12. Leafhoppers
While not as jumping gifted as froghoppers, leafhoppers can still manage leaps of 3-4 inches thanks to synchronized trochanter muscle contractions in their hind legs. This rapid muscle contraction gives the small insects enough power to hop away from predators trying to eat them.
13. Fleas
Fleas hold the record for horizontal jumping, able to sail over 100 times their own body length. Unlike grasshoppers though, fleas lack leg muscles and instead have a resilin protein pad that acts like a spring. They also have foot claws for traction, enabling their incredible leaps.
14. Snow Fleas
Snow fleas, actually a springtail not a true flea, use a furcula “spring” below their abdomen to jump 2-3 inches into the air. This helps them escape predators in their snowy habitat. Their dark color also enables them to absorb heat to survive the cold.
15. Springtails
As their name indicates, these tiny insects jump by releasing a furcula appendage under tension below their abdomen, much like a catapult. This lets them fling themselves up to 4-6 inches into the air to escape predators. They are often found jumping around gardens.
16. Click Beetles
Click beetles perform gravity-defying leaps into the air using a clever latch mechanism on their hinged abdomen which snaps violently when released. This catapults them into the air with a loud “click” noise, allowing them to right themselves when stuck upside down.
17. Jumping Slugs
Though most slugs slide along, some like the leaping hag, can jump to thwart predators. They rapidly contract muscles in their mantle (the slug’s back), building hydraulic pressure to extend their foot off the ground and launch themselves into the air.
18. Hopper Grasshoppers
While grasshoppers already jump well, a few specialized groups like pygmy grasshoppers and grouse locusts have adapted specifically for hopping. They have more body mass relative to leg length giving them a shorter jump, but with greater control letting them precisely steer mid-hop.
19. Froghoppers
As their bouncy name suggests, froghoppers get their jumping skills from massive enlarged back legs containing huge trochanter muscles. When contracted, these let froghoppers leap incredible distances – up to 20 times their body length.
20. Jumping Plant Lice
While nymphs crawl, mature jumping plant lice can leap several inches into the air to evade predators thanks to their enlarged back legs. Some species can steer their jumps and even jump from plant to plant to find the best feeding sites.
21. Leafhoppers
Leafhoppers escape threats by using their hind legs to jump 3-4 inches into the air. They accomplish this with synchronous trochanter muscle contraction in both legs which generates enough force for their small size to hop away from danger.
22. Planthoppers
Similar to leafhoppers, planthoppers jump using enlarged hind legs powered by trochanter muscles that contract rapidly to launch them through the air, steering their leaps using asymmetric leg thrust. Some tropical species are brilliantly colored and patterns.
23. Treehoppers
Treehoppers escape predators by jumping away using their hind legs. Some species accentuate this with bold color patterns on their back, serving to startle or distract predators as they hop away to safety.
24. Froghoppers
As their bouncy name implies, froghoppers get their jumping ability from enlarged hind legs containing sizeable trochanter muscles. When contracted, these allow froghoppers to leap incredible distances of up to 20 times their body length.
25. Katydids
Katydids escape danger by jumping away using enlarged powerful hind legs. The legs fold tightly under body at rest, then rapidly extend to propel the katydid into the air, letting it jump 5-10 times its body length to escape hungry predators.
In conclusion, while most insects and arthropods walk or fly, the select few that can jump and hop boast specialized legs, muscles, springs, latches, and clever mechanics that allow them to rocket their small bodies through the air to escape predators or ambush prey. Evolution has finetuned their anatomy for these astounding leaps that even inspired their colorful names like hoppers, hoppleleafs, and froghoppers. So next time you see a bug that can jump, look closer – it’s using some fascinating biology to get all that air!
Small House Insects That Jump
At least these don’t fly. Still, we understand the frustration and confusion around what insects jump and how you’re expected to deal with each of them. That’s why we want to take a moment to go down the list of some of the most common small jumping bugs you’re likely to find and our preferred way to deal with all of them. Keep an eye out for these tiny insects that jump around your home.
Fleas are tiny, bloodsucking insects that can infest your home and are a particular nuisance if you have any pets.
To properly eradicate fleas, you need to start at the food source: your animal. That doesn’t mean you need to get rid of your beloved pet, but it does mean you should start treating them with flea-prevention medication immediately. Some flea collars will also help deter them from making a meal out of your cat or dog.
Once that’s done, perform a deep vacuum of your home, paying special attention to areas where your pets spend time and anything with a white carpet or fabric surface, as fleas are drawn to light colors.
Use flea control products such as sprays or foggers to make your home intolerable to them, reducing the chance of an infestation. If you find any fleas on your pet or in your home, collect them and dispose of them in an outside trash can, as they might have eggs that will spread if disposed of indoors.
You probably don’t need us to tell you what it looks like for a cricket to jump. It’s their only real way of getting around. Unfortunately, these nocturnal insects can become a nuisance in and around your home during the warmer months, so you may need to employ strategies to discourage them from making your home their home.
Start by removing food sources like stray crumbs, wiping down surfaces, sweeping, and vacuuming. They are also drawn to standing water for drinking, so make sure to clean those up as well. Without a food and water source, your home offers them no reason to stick around. Seal any cracks or openings around your home to prevent crickets from entering.
Crickets are drawn to light, so if you find them collecting outside your home, reduce your outdoor lighting and close your curtains or window shades. If the infestation persists, spray the perimeter of your home with cricket-specific insecticides to drive them away.
These small, silvery insects may be wingless, but that doesn’t mean they’re grounded, as they have been known to have a vertical jump of up to two feet, making them one of the most mobile house insects that jump. These little pests enjoy damp, dark areas, so you’ll generally find them in basements, attics, kitchens, and bathrooms.
To deal with silverfish, reduce their access to moisture by improving ventilation throughout your home, setting up dehumidifiers in damp areas, and fixing any leaks. Store food, paper, and other common silverfish feeding products in containers to make your home seem less appetizing.
Silverfish are resistant to most bug sprays, but you can apply adhesive traps or drive them away with natural remedies like diatomaceous earth sprinkled around the openings of your home.
When asking, “What insects jump?” earwigs aren’t usually the first things that come to mind. Earwigs are nocturnal insects with distinctive pincers on their abdomens. You might find them scurrying through your cupboards in search of food. While they have wings, they mostly use those wings to leap distances or break their fall.
First start by eliminating their nearby hiding spots (usually outdoors) such as leaves, mulch, and wood. Seal cracks and openings in your home’s foundation or walls to prevent entry, and invest in a door brush seal if you haven’t already. Earwigs are susceptible to a variety of common insecticides, baits, and traps formulated to control their population, which you’ll be able to find in any large hardware store.
Fortunately, earwigs are fairly large relative to fleas, so they won’t be able to hide as easily as smaller pests.
As with all cockroaches, our greatest concern is the health concern they represent by carrying around diseases. It’s made worse by the fact that these small, light-brown insects have the capacity to jump short distances.
As with every entry so far, you’d be remiss not to take the time to adequately seal cracks, gaps, and openings in your home to prevent entry, but also apply cockroach baits and traps liberally around your home, especially your kitchen. Any compact, dark space is a cockroach’s ideal navigation space, so set up some adhesive traps under your oven, in your cupboards, or behind your refrigerator to slowly whittle down their numbers.
While cockroaches are jumping insects notoriously resistant to many insecticides, the formulas continue to grow stronger, and there are many highly potent chemicals made specifically to take down cockroaches.
How do I get rid of jumping insects in my home?
Control methods vary based on the insect. For springtails, reducing moisture and cleaning up organic matter can help. Flea control usually involves treating pets, vacuuming regularly, and possibly using insecticides.
All About Crickets – Insect Facts for Kids
FAQ
What kind of bugs hop?
Grasshoppers, locusts, and other members of the order Orthoptera are among the most skilled jumping bugs on the planet. Although all three pairs of their legs consist of the same parts, the hind legs are noticeably modified for jumping. A grasshopper’s hind femurs are built like a bodybuilder’s thighs.
Do springtail bugs bite humans?
Springtails will not bite or otherwise harm people or pets. Their large populations can also make them a nuisance in homes, greenhouses, and other locations where there is a source of moisture. Their continued presence indoors is an indicator of moisture.
Should I worry about springtails in my house?
However, springtails in the house could indicate a moisture issue and should be investigated. To get rid of springtails in the house, reduce sources of excess moisture. Leaky pipes and standing water are ideal conditions for springtails when the outside weather becomes too cold.
What insect is bounce?
Bounce is a main character in Miss Spider’s Sunny Patch Friends. He is a blue bedbug and one of Miss Spider and Holley’s three adoptive and overall eight children.