What is a plastron in insects?
The gill (called a ‘plastron’) consists of a stationary layer of air held in place on the body surface by millions of tiny hairs that support a permanent air–water interface, so that the insect never has to renew the gas at the water’s surface.
What is plastron respiration?
few forms (Naucoridae) have “plastron” respiration. The plastron is actually a modified air storage chamber that consists of air in a series of cuticular grooves radiating from a spiracle. This air is continuous with tracheal air and is held in each groove by hydrofuge hairs, so that its volume…
Where are spiracles located on insects?
The spiracles are located laterally along the thorax and abdomen of most insects—usually one pair of spiracles per body segment.
What insects have gills?
Stoneflies and caddisflies have filamentous gills on the thorax or abdomen. Dragonflies differ from other aquatic insects by having internal gills associated with the rectum. Water is circulated in and out of the anus by muscular contractions of the abdomen.
How does a plastron work?
The plastron is a series of hairs or bumps on the surface of an aquatic insect. The hairs and bumps are used to trap a thin layer of air against the body of the insect. As the insect breathes the oxygen the thin layer of air is prevented from shrinking due to the action of the hairs and bumps.
How does plastron respiration work?
Plastron respiration by aquatic insects. A submerged water boatman (Notonecta) hangs inverted from the water surface. Bubbles along the insect’s thorax and head facilitate oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange with the water column and allow the insect to remain underwater for extended periods.
What do spiracles look like?
The spiracle is a small hole behind each eye that opens to the mouth in some fish. In the primitive jawless fish, the first gill opening immediately behind the mouth is essentially similar to the other gill opening. Blowholes in cetaceans are also sometimes referred to as spiracles.
What causes spiracles to open?
What stimulates spiracles to open? Increasing level of carbon dioxide. An insect lives in dry conditions. Therefore less water loss through spiracles occurs.
What is a tracheal Gill?
: one of the external filaments or leaflike plates connected with the tracheae of the inside of the body that form part of the respiratory system of some aquatic insect larvae and nymphs but rarely persist in the adult.
How do most insects respire?
For insects, respiration is separate from the circulatory system. Oxygen and carbon dioxide gases are exchanged through a network of tubes called tracheae. Instead of nostrils, insects breathe through openings in the thorax and abdomen called spiracles.
Where is the plastron located?
The plastron (plural: plastrons or plastra) is the nearly flat part of the shell structure of a turtle, what one would call the belly or ventral surface of the shell. It also includes within its structure the anterior and posterior bridge struts and the bridge of the shell.
What happens to your body when you get bit by an insect?
What causes reactions to bites and stings? The venom injected into your body from the bite or sting of an insect will cause your immune system to respond. Often, your body’s immediate response will include redness and swelling at the site of the bite or sting. Minor delayed reactions include itching and soreness.
What kind of insect makes a hole in your skin?
Insects that sting include bees, wasps and hornets. An insect bites you by making a hole in your skin to feed. Most insects sting as a defence by injecting venom into your skin. Symptoms of an insect bite or sting
What kind of insects can you bite in the UK?
Insect bites and stings are common and usually only cause minor irritation. However, some stings can be painful and trigger a serious allergic reaction. In the UK, insects that bite include midges, mosquitoes, fleas, bedbugs and, although not strictly insects, spiders, mites and ticks, which are arachnids.
What are the symptoms of insect bites and stings?
Insect bites and stings: First aid. Most reactions to insect bites and stings are mild, causing little more than redness, itching, stinging or minor swelling.