Plastron respiration in the mite, Platyseius italicus
In: Journal of insect physiology. Pergamon Press: London; New York. ISSN 0022-1910; e-ISSN 1879-1611, more
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| Abstract |
A mite, Platyseius italicus, is the first animal other than an insect known to use the plastron method of respiration. It has a pair of plastron-bearing spiracular gills. The structure of the gills is described. Calculations show that the respiratory efficiency of the gills compares favourably with that of the plastron-bearing gills of many insects. The possible mode of evolution of the spiracular gills of the mite is discussed. The conditions under which air films about a wave length thick reflect little light are described because in the past the absence of a distinct reflection has led to such films being overlooked. |
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