How Can Fleas Jump So Far?
WouterUntil recently, it was unclear how fleas jump so far. But scientists were able to put the mystery to rest with the help of new research published in the Journal of Experimental Biology. They studied the jumps of 51 hedgehog fleas using high-speed video recording equipment. They found that fleas store energy for the jumps, and push off the ground with their feet.
Researchers found that fleas leap by transferring power from their resilin pads to their legs. In most cases, they push off the ground using their toes, while in only six jumps did the fleas’ knees touch the ground. The researchers concluded that these jumps could be the result of energy stored in the resilin pads.
When fleas jump, they can cover 150 to 200 times their own length. This means that a 7’3″ flea could easily jump over the Empire State Building. While the ability of a flea to jump may seem impressive, it is important to remember that this ability is entirely different from that of a human or animal.
Fleas can jump 50cm in one leap. Their tiny bodies can jump such distances because they have a pad of elastic protein called resilin that can be compressed and recoiled. This protein stores energy during compression and releases it when it recoils.
