The strongest insect on the planet

19mei2010
Source: vroegevogels.vara.nl
The strongest insect on the planet appears to be a species of dung beetle, Onthophagus taurus. This beetle is able to pull 1141 times its own body weight. Researchers in London measured how much weight was required to pull a dung beetle out of its hole.
The researchers note that insects are known for their amazing strength. This strength has everything to do with their mating behaviour. Female beetles dig tunnels where the males mate with them. When a male encounters another male in such a tunnel, he will try to get his rival out by locking horns and pushing.
For comparison: If a 70 kg person were as strong as the beetle he could pull six fully-loaded double-decker buses.
The results of this research were published in the scientific journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B.

The photo of Onthophagus taurus is made by Alex Wild, from the site scienceblog.com/photosynthesis.