The jaws of so-called “Dracula ants” make the fastest known movements in the animal kingdom, according to new research.

At over 200mph, these appendages outstrip previous competitors for the title, such as mantis shrimps, which are known for their lightning fast motions.

Researchers think these insects use their rapidly accelerating jaws to smash into potential prey, stunning them so they can be brought back to the nest and fed to the ants’ larvae.

“These ants are fascinating as their mandibles are very unusual,” said entomologist Professor Andrew Suarez from the University of Illinois.

“Even among ants that power-amplify their jaws, the Dracula ants are unique – instead of using three different parts for the spring, latch and lever arm, all three are combined in the mandible.”

(Adrian Smith)

Some ant species have incredibly powerful jaws that snap closed from an open position, but Dracula ants –​ or Mystrium camillae – power up their mandibles by pressing the tips together until they slide over each other, just like humans clicking their fingers.