Birds stopped flying insects becoming ‘bug-eyed’ beasts

Birds may have helped to keep flying insects from growing into bug-eyed monsters, say scientists.

Faced with an airborne predatory threat, the creatures stayed small to be more manoeuvrable, it is claimed.

Throughout earth’s history, giant insects evolved during periods when the atmosphere was rich in oxygen. They reached their largest size about 300 million years ago during the late Carboniferous and early Permian periods. At this time huge dragonfly-like creatures called griffinflies, with wingspans up to 28 inches wide, ruled the sky.