Artists often suggest that anything which exists in our imagination is real, that ideas are as tangible as the computer screen you are reading off of right now. In the case of "fairyflies," parasitic breeds of wasps which measure 0.005 inches long at their very tiniest, scientists have breathed life into the concept in a strikingly literal way. Formally known as Mymardae, these flies are nearly impossible to spot in the wild without magnification tools. Recently, scientists discovered a new form of fairyfly, dubbed Tinkerbella nana.
John Huber, lead author of the study which can be found the Journal of Hymenoptera Research, explains: "If something is physical possible in living things, some individuals of at least one species, extinct or extant will likely have achieved it."
He adds, "So the lower size limit, by whatever measure of size is chosen, was almost certainly already evolved-somewhere, sometime. If we have not already found them, we must surely be close to discovering the smallest insects and other anthropods."
LiveScience reports that Huber's team conducted their research in Alajeula Costa Rica, but clarifies that forms of Mymardae can be found globally.
In the wild, these fairyflies feast on insect eggs, which are commonly located in secluded areas of the forest. Scientists are currently unaware of the gamut of species that the creature preys on due to their elusive, miniscule nature. Despite the great technological advancements humanity has made in its search for knowledge, Tinkerbella is a humbling reminder of the vast, unknown space which we have still yet to explore.