Kikiki
Appearance
Kikiki | |
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Scientific classification | |
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Genus: | Kikiki Huber & Beardsley, 2000
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Species: | K. huna
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Binomial name | |
Kikiki huna Huber, 2000
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Kikiki is a genus of fairyfly wasps containing a single species, Kikiki huna, known from Hawaii, Costa Rica, Nagarcoil, and Trinidad. At 0.15 mm (0.0059 in) (150 μm), it is the smallest flying insect known as of 2019[update]. It is a close relative of wasps in the genus Tinkerbella.[1][2] It was discovered in the Hawaiian Islands by John T. Huber and John W. Beardsley, and published in 2000. The name Kikiki huna consists of two Hawaiian words that both carry the meaning 'tiny bit'.[2]
Kikiki huna has wings with feathery hairs attached to a stem. These structures greatly reduce the weight required for lift. The males of this species do not fly, and do not have any wings. Their wings are of interest in micro robotics.[3]
See also
[edit]- Dicopomorpha echmepterygis - The smallest known insect.
- Smallest organisms
References
[edit]Wikimedia Commons has media related to Kikiki.
- ^ Huber, John T.; Noyes, John S. (2013). "A new genus and species of fairyfly, Tinkerbella nana (Hymenoptera, Mymaridae), with comments on its sister genus Kikiki, and discussion on small size limits in arthropods". Journal of Hymenoptera Research. 32: 17–44. doi:10.3897/jhr.32.4663.
- ^ a b Huber, John T.; Beardsley, John W. (2000). "A New Genus of Fairyfly, Kikiki, from the Hawaiian Islands (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae)" (PDF). Proc. Hawaiian Entomol. Soc. 34: 65–70.
- ^ Hussain, Syed A., et al. "Untethered microscale flight: mechanisms and platforms for future MEMS aerial microrobotics." SPIE sensing technology+ applications, 94940F-12 (2015).