Aerodynamics of the Smallest Flying Insects

We present fluid dynamics videos of the flight of some of the smallest insects including the jewel wasp, $\mathit{\text{Ampulex}}\mathit{\text{compressa}}$, and thrips, $\mathit{\text{Thysanoptera}}$ spp. The fruit fly, $\mathit{\text{Drosophila}}\mathit{\text{melanogaster}}$, is large in comparison to these insects. While the fruit fly flies at $Re \approx 120$,thejewelwaspfliesat$Re \approx 60$,andthripsfliesat$Re \approx 10$. Differences in the general structures of the wakes generated by each species are observed. The differences in the wakes correspond to changes in the ratio of lift forces (vertical component) to drag forces (horizontal component) generated.