How Do Ants Breathe?
WouterUnlike most land-dwelling vertebrates, ants do not have lungs. They do, however, have an alternative system for breathing. In the absence of the lungs, ants use spiracles to get air into their bodies.
These spiracles are tiny holes that allow air to diffuse near the body’s cells. They are located laterally on the body. They communicate with tubes leading inside the body, and they regulate the flow of oxygen throughout the body. They are also connected to the dorsal vessel, which acts as the ant’s heart.
They have nine or ten pairs of spiracles on each side of their body. These spiracles are connected to the ant’s dorsal vessel, and they also help to keep the ant’s body dry.
Ants also have a trachea, which is a network of tubes that transport air around their bodies. This system is incredibly efficient, allowing ants to travel hundreds of feet underwater without losing breath. It is also essential to ants’ survival.
Ants’ tracheae also carry carbon dioxide away from the ant’s body. The carbon dioxide is slowly dissolved in the ant’s tissues. The carbon dioxide does not release CO2 until the ant resurfaces.
The heart of the ant pumps colorless blood to the head. This blood is then transported by the spiracles. It also contains other important hormones, including hormones for growth and reproduction. Unlike humans, ants do not have red blood cells, and they do not have an active tidal respiratory system.
