How Do Spiders Breathe?

Spiders do not have gills. However, they have a unique respiratory system, which they use to get oxygen. A spider’s respiration occurs by passive diffusion. This involves the spider’s tracheae and book lungs. These are long tubes that run through the spider’s body. Each branching trachea is connected to the atmosphere through external openings.

The tracheae are found in the underside of the spider’s abdomen. They open through spiracles, holes in the thorax and abdomen. In some species, the tracheae are located at the front and rear of the spider.

Spiders have two pairs of book lungs. These are hollow air-filled plates that are arranged in two pairs. The anterior pair is located at the front of the abdomen. The posterior pair is located behind the anterior pair.

The book lungs are saturated in a light blue color. They are coated with copper atoms and contain hemocyanin, a protein-rich respiratory pigment that transports oxygen and carbon dioxide.

The tarantula’s lungs work differently than the lungs of mammals. The lungs of spiders generate more water loss than the lungs of mammals. A spider can stay underwater for up to 24 hours without drowning.

In addition to their tracheae and book lungs, spiders have four respiratory organs. These include the lungs, spiracles, tracheae and body hair. These are specialized organs, which help spiders breathe.

Spiders also use the haemolymph, which is similar to blood. The hemolymph carries oxygen. When the spider stops moving, it releases hemoglobin, which carries oxygen. The enriched hemolymph is then carried to the limbs and brain.