Do Cockroaches Need Oxygen?
WouterScientists from Australia have discovered the surprising answer to the question, “Do cockroaches need oxygen?” They found that cockroaches use air-filled tubes, known as spiracles, to deliver oxygen to their cells. The spiracles also serve as water-vapour-removal systems. Researchers are still unsure of why cockroaches close their spiracles when they stop breathing. However, some researchers think it might be to regulate carbon dioxide and water loss.
To test whether cockroaches need oxygen, scientists examined their tracheae. These structures are similar to plants’ stomata, which allow them to breathe air. The tracheae of cockroaches were found to be well-developed if the insects had access to sufficient oxygen. In contrast, the tracheae of a roach with less oxygen are much thinner than those with high oxygen levels.
The cockroach’s respiratory system is a complex network of tubes that connect to one another. These tubes are connected by spiracles and open at different points to exchange air. The spiracles transport oxygen to the body tissues via tracheae. This process is called passive diffusion.
Cockroaches live in a wide range of environments. Depending on their species, they can live for months, or even years. They can survive in most conditions except for Antarctica.
