Spiracles Collection

Mustelus canis, Smooth Dogfish, side view

The caterpillar, like all other insects, breathes through holes along its body called spiracles. The fleshy body is protected against predators in two ways; it is covered in spines

Final instar larva of a silkmoth
A final instar larva of the Saturnid moth, Samia cynthia. S. cynthia is a native of Eastern China, where its cocoons are one source of wild silk

Fourth instar Chinese silkmoth larva
A 4th instar larva of the Saturnid moth, Samia cynthia. S. cynthia is a native of Eastern China, where its cocoons are one source of wild silk

Warehouse moth larva, SEM
Warehouse moth larva. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of part of the body of a warehouse moth (Ephestia elutella) larva or caterpillar. There is a spiracle (brown) in each body segment

Breathing tube on a fruit flys pupa, SEM
Breathing tube on a fruit flys pupa, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). This structure is called a spiracle. This fruit fly is Drosophila melanogaster (wild type Oregon R)

Adult fruit fly hatching, SEM
Fruit fly hatching. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of an imago (adult) of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster (wild type, Oregon R), at eclosion (hatching)

Caterpillar spiracles, light micrograph
Caterpillar spiracles. Light micrograph of part of the skin of a caterpillar showing part of the tracheal system for bringing oxygen to the body tissues

Caterpillar skin, light micrograph. This section of part of the skin shows two half segments. The skin is covered in small hairs or setae (black), and brown structures called tubercles and verrucae

Caterpillar spiracle, light micrograph
Caterpillar spiracle. Polarised light micrograph of part of the skin of a caterpillar, showing an air hole (spiracle, dark oval, lower right) leading to a breathing tube (trachea)

Eyes and spiracles of blue-spotted ray, Taeniura lymma; occurs in Indo-Asian Pacific
Andre Seale / SplashdownDirect

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"Spiracles: The Hidden Breathing Holes of Nature's Marvels" Discover the fascinating world of spiracles, the tiny respiratory openings that allow various creatures to breathe effortlessly. Take a closer look at these incredible structures and their importance in different species. In the depths of the ocean, Mustelus canis, commonly known as Smooth Dogfish, showcases its side view adorned with spiracles. These specialized gill slits enable them to extract oxygen from water efficiently while gliding through their marine habitat. Similar to fish, insects also possess spiracles for respiration. Witness the caterpillar's remarkable adaptation as it breathes through these holes along its body. From Final instar larva of a silkmoth to Fourth instar Chinese silkmoth larva, these larvae rely on spiracles for survival during their transformative stages. Even in adulthood, some moths like December Moth (Poecilocampa populi) continue relying on their intricate network of pro-legs and spiracles. Observe them up close in Powys, Wales during May - a testament to nature's ingenuity. Zooming into microscopic wonders reveals even more astonishing details about spiracles. Warehouse moth larva captured under SEM showcases its breathing apparatus intricately designed for optimal gas exchange. Not limited to just moths or larvae, fruit flies also possess this ingenious mechanism. Witness how they utilize breathing tubes during pupation and emergence into adulthood through mesmerizing SEM images capturing every minute detail. From light micrographs showcasing caterpillar spiracles and skin texture variations; we delve deeper into understanding how these tiny structures play an essential role in insect life cycles. Spiracles truly exemplify nature's brilliance by providing diverse organisms with efficient respiratory systems tailored specifically for their unique habitats and life stages.