Insects in flight | 11 incredible species in SLOW MOTION

Takeoff and flight sequences of insects spanning 5 different taxonomic orders captured at 3,200 fps!

00:00 - weevils
01:44 - katydids
03:02 - bark lice
04:00 - march fly
04:59 - assassin bug
06:02 - katydid

Taxonomic info:
nut/acorn weevil (Curculio sp.)
broad-nosed weevil (Asiatic oak weevil Cyrtepistomus castaneus)
Hook-faced Conehead katydid (Pyrgocorypha uncinata)
bush katydid (Scudderia sp.)
Lesser Angle-wing (Microcentrum retinerve)
Mouse-like Barklouse (Lichenomima sp.)
common barklouse 1 (subfamily: Psocinae)
common barklouse 2 (subfamily: Psocinae)
common barklouse (Cerastipsocus venosus)
March fly (Penthetria heteropteran)
Spined Assassin Bug (Sinea sp.)

All insects were collected between July - November in Raleigh, NC, except the bush katydid which was from New Hampshire.

Special thanks to Matt Bertone for collection assistance, still images, and fact-checking!

[EditorJohn_TIRL]

The way they extend their "arms" is ADORABLE!

[stMjolnirMarkV]

It’s almost comical how awkward taking off is for these bugs. I love it

[thomasglessner]

You are so thoughtful, showing the insects in slow-mo allows us to marvel at their diversity. Thank you for sharing.

[TierZoo]

Love this video! The weevils especially are so cute. I'm surprised at how smooth the assassin bug seems to fly. Every time I've seen them fly, they're really loud and not very nimble in the air.

[witchapparatus]

"Have you ever seen anything as awkward, determined, and just as glorious as this thing taking flight?"

Yes. A lawn mower.

[tollwurf]

Absolutely mesmerising how goofy, barely effective enough, yet somehow at the same time miraculously elegant and totally majestic these creatures seem...
Would love to see a video of the landings!

[TIGERGUTS]

DUDE! I'm an illustrator and bugs are the BEST reference for monsters and this is EPICLY AWESOME! Well done!!

[christophereaton]

So many almost look like they're surprised they can fly.

[justinberdell]

My whole life I've loved two things: math/engineering and arthropods. I thought long and hard before college and chose engineering. I've never regretted my decision, but from time to time I see videos like this that make me imagine what could have been. What a cool fascinating life you've chosen! Good luck!

[WilloWik]

I know this is a bit random and specific but thank you so much for putting this footage out on the internet! It’s incredibly useful for animators like me to have a reference handy whenever we animate so as to make our work fluid and lifelike, and having video analysis of bugs taking flight is something that would be difficult for most of us to find! I really love bugs especially, so it makes me happy to see this video, knowing I have it as a resource for the movement of bugs :)

[robertmacpherson]

Yes, please! More flight videos. I have a undergrad degree in Entomology, (Cornell, 1981) but that's not where life took me. Your videos are a comforting call back to the passion of my youth.

[mjremy]

I never realized insects are so beautiful. You have changed my opinion of insects. Such vulnerable lovely creatures. The wing designs are better than the best NASA designs. Truly spectacular to see those wings unfold and legs leap or tuck in like airplane wheels. Fabulous. Thank you so much!!!

[jfnuyen]

It is truly amazing just how complex life is as demonstrated by the flying characteristics of these insects.

[slimboyd]

I'm so glad these guys are tiny ..just imagine if the majority of insects were the size of a labrador lol

[sedoff]

As one who marvels and appreciates insects, I’m enthralled by what you’ve achieved. Such a delight to have run across your videos. Thank you.

[moerocco]

Some act like helicopters being flown by pilots who urgently require more lessons.

[kashifpetkar]

Man i swear that was one of the most satisfying thing i ever saw

[mscir]

That first bug looked unreal, I thought it was a Pixar creation until you told us it was real. GREAT photography. Thank you. Looking forward to wasp and moth footage.

[gobzanuff]

Flying insect in slow motion look cute...
*In real time:* SOMEONE CALL THE EXORCIST!! MAMA!

[ludoviajante]

Wow, you channel is really something else. Do you have a patreon? This is amazing. Thanks for the passionate work!