Book 19, Question 54
How Do River Insects Breathe Underwater?
Many young river insects breathe underwater with gills, thin feathery parts that pull oxygen out of the water! Different insects wear their gills in different places. Clean, fast, cool water gives them the most oxygen.
More fun facts
- Many water insects carry air with them, like a scuba tank.
- Giant water bugs trap air in a small space under their wings.
- They breathe that air through tiny holes called spiracles.
- The diving bell spider builds an air bubble underwater.
- Oxygen soaks into the bubble from the water, giving the spider about 70 percent of the air it breathes.
Sources: Scientific American, National Geographic, National Park Service
Questions kids ask
How does a diving bell spider breathe?
It builds an air bubble underwater. Oxygen soaks into the bubble from the water.