Book 11, Question 128
Why Can a Mantis Shrimp Punch So Fast?
A mantis shrimp can punch so fast because its arm works like a spring-loaded hammer! The club is held back by a latch, then released. It swings out in a flash.
More fun facts
- Parts of a mantis shrimp's striking limb work like a spring and a latch.
- Its strike finishes in less than three thousandths of a second.
- A single punch can smash a shell with the force of a small bullet.
- Smasher mantis shrimp use hammer like claws on hard shelled prey like crabs and clams.
- A special layered structure in the club may filter shockwaves so the shrimp is not hurt.
Sources: Science News Explores, National Geographic, National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine
Questions kids ask
Why doesn't the mantis shrimp hurt itself?
A layered structure in its club may block damaging shockwaves.