Scientists Discover Aphids Usually Land Feet First When They Fall

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Scientists have discovered that aphids can land on their feet after a fall similar to a cat. Researchers from the University of Haifa and Israel Institute of Technology conducted an experiment by dropping pea aphids onto a layer of cardboard covered with red power. About 96% of the aphids landed feet first, indicated by a red spot on their abdomens after the fall. In another study, aphids were placed on fava beans over petroleum jelly and then frightened by showing them a ladybug. The insects fell off the fava beans in fear and landed on their feet about 95% of the time after falling into the jelly.

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