Plastron respiration in the mite, Platyseius italicus
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.
- Publication:
-
Journal of Insect Physiology
- Pub Date:
- January 1971
- DOI:
- 10.1016/0022-1910(71)90184-3
- Bibcode:
- 1971JInsP..17.1185H