Quote:From this link ufbir.ifas.ufl.edu/chap01.htm
Note that there is a class of bugrom used as messengers. They are about the size of sparrows. Other than the big transport Bugrom, they are the only ones seen to fly. And one could assume they can move _really_ fast. (What's the fastest flying bug in the real world? Anyone know?)
Quote:The idea does have merit. But a messenger bug the size of a sparrow probably can't have sustained speed faster than a flying boat, because at the size the air would have the viscosity of mineral oil. But if you use a LOT of them all over the place, you'de have better commo and intel than the Alliance.
The insects with the highest reliably measured airspeeds are desert locusts (Schistocerca gregaria) and corn earworm moths (Helicoverpa zea). These fly at average airspeeds of 33 and 28 km/h respectively (about 21 and 17 mph). Many insects surely fly faster, but their airspeeds have yet to be studied with modern methods. The highest sustained ground speed recorded is that of the black cutworm (Agrotis ipsilon) which flies at speeds of between 97 and 113 km/h (60-70 mph) (Showers & Sappington 1992). Insect airspeed is affected by mass, size, age, gender, feeding, water content, activity type, temperature, humidity, solar radiation, wind, oxygen level, ascent angle and even habitat isolation.
On the other hand, a combination of both our ideas (i.e telephatic chain of coimmand plus a swarm of scouts) would give the Bugrom a big edge in mobility. Jinnai can run rings around any Alliance forces.
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Into terror!, Into valour!
Charge ahead! No! Never turn
Yes, it's into the fire we fly
And the devil will burn!
- Scarlett Pimpernell