Here are 10 of the smallest animals on Earth, according to Business Insider:
- Pygmy shrew (Suncus etruscus): Measuring just 1.1 to 1.5 inches (2.8 to 3.8 centimeters) long and weighing about 0.07 ounces (2 grams), the pygmy shrew is the smallest land mammal in the world. It is found in Europe and Asia.
- Bumblebee bat (Craseonycteris thonglongyai): This tiny bat is found in Thailand and is only about 1.3 inches (3.3 centimeters) long and weighs about 0.07 ounces (2 grams). It is the smallest bat in the world.
- Paedophryne amauensis (Paedophryne amauensis): This frog is found in New Guinea and is only about 0.3 inches (8 millimeters) long, making it the smallest known vertebrate animal.
- Paedophryne dekot (Paedophryne dekot): This frog is also found in New Guinea and is very similar to Paedophryne amauensis. It is only slightly larger, measuring about 0.37 inches (9 millimeters) long.
- Nanophrynus pictus (Nanophrynus pictus): This frog is found in Sri Lanka and is about 0.4 inches (10 millimeters) long. It is the smallest frog in Asia.
- Mayfly (Order Ephemeroptera): Mayflies are insects that live for only a few hours or days as adults. The smallest mayfly is the fairy shrimp mayfly (Micronecta scholtzi), which is found in Australia and measures about 0.04 inches (1 millimeter) long.
- Fairyfly (Order Strepsiptera): Fairyflies are parasitic insects that live on other insects. The smallest fairyfly is the fairyfly wasp (Trigonotylus wilsoni), which is found in Australia and measures about 0.03 inches (0.8 millimeters) long.
- Springtail (Order Collembola): Springtails are small insects that can jump by using a spring-like structure on their abdomen. The smallest springtail is the pygmy springtail (Arrhopalites minutus), which is found in Europe and measures about 0.02 inches (0.5 millimeters) long.
- Water bear (Tardigrada): Water bears are microscopic animals that can survive in extreme environments. The smallest water bear is the tardigrade Ramazzottius varieornatus, which is found in Europe and measures about 0.01 inches (0.2 millimeters) long.
- Mite (Arachnida): Mites are tiny arachnids that can be found in a variety of habitats. The smallest mite is the tardigrade-associated mite (Echiniscus microporus), which is found in Europe and measures about 0.004 inches (0.1 millimeter) long.
These are just a few of the many tiny animals that live on Earth. These animals are fascinating and show us just how diverse life can be.