Rhantus suturalis
"siphon" at tip of abdomen
Top view of the tip of the abdomen of a respirating larva. The openings of the two air ducts
(tracheae) are visible. The disc on which they are attached is water repellent and by that
easily makes contact with the air above the surface, when the larva pushes the tip of it's behind
upwards. When the larva submerges again the air at the tip is silvery glistening, sometimes a small
bubble is visible. The two tail appendages (cerci) are not water repellent and stay under the
water surface. They give the tail the right position during the respiration process. The cerci of the
third instar larva have long hairs (setae) as is shown here. They also improve the larva's
swimming power when it makes a stroke with the tail.
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COPYRIGHT:
All pictures on this site were made by
Gerard Visser (Aadorp,
Netherlands), unless stated otherwise. All rights remain with him. These pictures may not be used
for purposes any other than private viewing or printing. Do NOT hardlink to these pictures or place
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© G.H. Visser 23-10-2007
rev.07-07-2008
www.microcosmos.nl/beet1/rhantusl10.htm