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Rhantus suturalis,larva
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 them on other websites without the author's approval. Should you need them for purposes which include third parties, you must ask the author permission by e-mail. People, who want to use this pictures for exhibitions or publications or educative material are much encouraged to do so, after approval as mentioned and giving the normal credits.
© G.H. Visser 23-10-2007
rev.07-07-2008


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