- Spiracles and trachea
- Efficiency of the respiratory system of butterflies
- Other functions of the respiratory system of butterflies
- References
The respiration in butterflies is very particular, with important differences compared to the respiration in other organisms. Compared to the respiratory system of humans, the respiratory system of butterflies is characterized by the absence of lungs.
Instead of lungs, butterflies have spiracles. These spiracles are holes in the bodies of butterflies that allow the passage of oxygen into the trachea.
The trachea is a system of tubes within the body of butterflies that allow the transport of oxygen to the different parts of the body.
Butterflies do not have a system that pumps oxygen into the tissues. In general, the respiratory process occurs through passive diffusion of gas in the body of the butterfly and by self-ventilation.
Self-ventilation consists of modifying the volumes of the tracheal tubes. This modification is caused by the movements of the insect's body in the air.
These modifications generate air pressure gradients within the tubes and allow it to flow within the throttle body.
Some studies indicate that butterflies can experience rapid compressions of the trachea that help transport oxygen during respiration.
These compressions of the trachea can be due to the movement of various muscles of the body such as the muscles of the extremities.
Spiracles and trachea
In general, the respiratory system of a butterfly has about nine spiracles located on the sides of its body. These spiracles are external holes that allow breathing.
Spiracles are not exclusive to butterflies. These holes are also present in various organisms such as fish, cetaceans, arachnids, and insects.
The trachea, for its part, forms a complex network of tubes filled with gas (air that contains oxygen) and that bifurcate towards various parts of the insect such as the wings, legs and body segments.
The exchange of oxygen between the trachea and the tissues occurs through the tracheae. Tracheae are the smallest tubes in the trachea that can be about one micrometer in diameter.
Efficiency of the respiratory system of butterflies
The respiratory system of butterflies is quite simple. This simple system is inefficient compared to other animals, causing large-bodied butterflies to manage their energy inefficiently.
Given the difference in sizes and in the efficiency of their respiratory systems, butterflies are slower than other flying organisms such as birds and are easy prey for them.
Other functions of the respiratory system of butterflies
Like many insects, butterflies can regulate the exchange of liquids with the outside through spiracles.
The opening and closing of the spiracles make it possible to control the evaporation of water from the body of the insect to the environment.
One of the most important characteristics of the respiratory system of butterflies is its role in thermoregulation.
Through a process of excessive respiration, butterflies can control their body temperature.
References
- Butterfly, the adult. Available at: science.jrank.org
- Clench H. Behavioral Thermoregulation in Butterflies. Ecology. 1966; 47 (6): 1021-1034
- Kearny E. (2010) The biology of butterflies. Cornell University
- Kristensen N. Respiratory system of the primitive moth Micropterix calthella (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera: Micropterigidae). International Journal of Insect Morphology and Embryology. 1984; 13 (2): 137-156
- Westneat M. et al. Tracheal Respiration in Insects Visualized with Synchrotron X-ray Imaging. Science, New Series. 2003; 299 (5606): 558-560