Abstract
HOYLE1 has shown that carbon dioxide has a direct action on the neuro-muscular junction of the closer muscle of the second spiracle of the locust, reducing the electrical responses and the tension developed in spite of maintained stimulation of the motor axons in the transverse nerve. However, this peripheral control mechanism does not seem to play an important part in the regulation of the intact spiracle which, except during flight, remains firmly synchronized with ventilation2. It might be expected to play a more important part in an insect the spiracles of which are not always synchronized with ventilation, such as the dragonfly. The adults of four species of Aeschnid dragonflies, occurring in Great Britain, have been examined and none shows ventilation synchronization in spiracles 1, 2 or 3. In the 15 species of Libellulidae from Great Britain and Uganda which have been examined, however, spiracle 1 opens with abdominal inspiration and closes completely or partially with expiration: at rest, spiracles 2 and 3 remain closed, but they may join spiracle 1 as inspiratory spiracles for a brief period after struggling or flight.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 51 print issues and online access
$199.00 per year
only $3.90 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Hoyle, G., J. Insect Physiol., 4, 63 (1960).
Miller, P. L., J. Exp. Biol., 37, 264 (1960).
Hazelhoff, E. H., Z. vergl. Physiol., 5, 179 (1927).
Wiersma, C. A. G., Cold Spring Harbor Symposia Quant. Biol., 17, 155 (1952).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
MILLER, P. Spiracle Control in Dragonflies. Nature 191, 621–622 (1961). https://doi.org/10.1038/191621b0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/191621b0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.