The Economic Times

Tiny wings. Almost no oxygen. Somehow, it still flies. The world's highest flyer isn't an eagle

Alpine bumble-bees can fly at simulated altitudes over nine thousand meters. These insects achieve this by increasing wing motion amplitude, not frequency. This remarkable ability surpasses the height of Mount Everest, challenging previous assumptions. Such extreme flight performance suggests intermittent behavioral demands beyond routine foraging. This capacity highlights the surprising aerodynamic reserves present in these high-altitude insects.