Insect Respiration

Insects respire through opening in the sides of the abdomen or thorax known as spiracles.  Spiracles regulate the flow of oxygen and carbon dioxide gases within the insect tissues.  Unlike humans which use blood to transport gases both to and from the tissues, insects do not use their blood (hemolymph) for this purpose.  Instead oxygen gas passes directly into the tissues through a series of hollow tubes called tracheoles.

Microscopy of Insect Spiracle (Kelly, Fellers, & Davidson, 2003)

Insects that are aquatic have a number of other modifications for accessing oxygen from water.  In some cases external gills, such as those seen on a mayfly larva, are used to gather oxygen from running water.  Air bubbles, thoracic pumping, and breathing tubes are also employed by insects that live aquatic or semi-aquatic lives.  For more information about insect respiration visit this link: Insect Respiration

Works Cited:

 Kelly, C.D.,  Fellers, T.J.,  & Davidson, M.W. (2003)Molecular Expressions: Science, Optics & You - Olympus MIC-D: Oblique Gallery - Insect Spiracles. (n.d.). Retrieved October 13, 2014.