Respiratory system and respiratory behaviors of the larva of Neoneuromus ignobilis

Key Words：Neoneuromus ignobilis, larva, respiratory system, respiratory behaviors

Abstract：         The respiratory system and behavior of the larva of Neoneuromus ignobilis Navs were investigated. 10 pairs of spiracles are located on the prothorax, mesothorax and metathorax, and the 8 abdominal segments. The first six pairs of spiracles are slender, short and tubular and have short villi. The last two pairs are thicker and longer and appear feathery. There are a pair of tufts located on the 1st to 7th abdominal segments, but none on the eighth abdominal segment. The lateral and vertical tracheas, 4 beams in total, are thicker. They are divided into two groups located on the left and right sides from the front prothorax all of which extend to the thorax and abdomen. The second level tracheas extend into every spiracle and tracheal gill tufts. The third level tracheas branch from the second level tracheas and link, or extend, into the alimentary canal in every abdominal segment. There are no tracheas in the tracheal gills. There are 3 kinds of respiratory behaviors； using the tuft mass, spiracles and body wall, mainly using the tuft mass in water and mainly using the spiracles and body wall on land.