do wasps have lungs?

Answer 1

Wasps have tiny holes called spiracles in their exoskeletons through which they breathe air, or respire (spiracle, respire, and respiration have the same root). Wasps are insects, and like all insects, wasps do not have structrures that are identical to the structures we call lungs and that are found in mammals, birds, and reptiles (three instances of animal types with lungs; other types exist). There are small structures on the interior of the spiracles which allow gases to pass into and out of the insects, just as there are small structures (also made of cells) on the interior of the lungs in animals with lungs which allow the passage of gases into and out of such animals.

Small insects rely on diffusion for breathing through their spiracles and do not need to use muscles to aid breathing while relying on diffusion. Larger insects, such as some gravid dragonflies, can contract their abdomens, forcing air laden with extra water (H-O-H) and carbon-dioxide (O-K-O) out of their bodies through their spiracles. Soon after contraction, their abdomens re-expand and air with a higher percentage of oxygen enters the insect's bodies through the spiracles.

If you see living insects and they do not appear to be breathing, they may be breathing beneath structures which hide their thorax, abdomen, and/or wings. When these thorax-, abdomen-, or wing-hiding structures open, it is possible for such insects to fly, and it is difficult at such moments to see if they are breathing because it is difficult for our eyes to focus well on such tiny movements while the insect is flying.

Interestingly, larger insects have a larger volume-to-surface-area ratio than smaller insects of the same species, and need either more or larger spiracles through which to breathe if relying upon diffusion for breathing, or need to contract their bodies more to force more respiration. Insects can also expand their bodies to aid respiration. Humans contract muscles between their ribs in their rib cage to expand their chests and otherwise expand and contract their lung volumes while respiring. We do not rely on diffusion to allow large volumes of oxygen into our circulatory systems, which is why we continue to breathe using our muscles while we sleep. :)

-Keeth Andruu Twoostawr

Answer 2

Wasp Breathe

Answer 3

They have a gaseous exchange mechanism which does the same for them as our lungs do for us. It creates a large surface area.The tiny hole on their thorax are called spiracles. These branch off into trachioles (a bit like bronchioles in the lungs) and go directly into every cell. So every cell can have a supply of oxygen to carry out respirstion and give the insect energy. Trust me on this one I am a biology teacher. But there is more detail to the whole process.

Answer 4

true lungs are found in vertebrates: amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, NOT invertebrates, but they do have a respiratory system to help them with systemic CO2, O2 exchange needed for cell respiration. Wasps are arthropod insects and thus have an open respiratory system,with the air holes or spiracles located on the side of their thorax-abdomen. Oxygen enters here and then leads to their open circulatory system with their hemocoels (blood cavities) used for gas exchange.

Answer 5

Actually, surprising as it may seem, yes they do ! A wasp or jasper as they are known up north has six lungs and do you know where they are ?

Answer 6

wasp is arthopods ,it have trachae not lung

Answer 7

They have a closed circulatory system, in which they have sets of sacs that act as lungs, to facillitate breathing.

Answer 8

Yes, and no. They have a set of holes, along their thorax, that does the oxygen / carbondioxide transfer thing, but not a set of internal lungs, like you, and I have.

Answer 9

I sincerely hope so - I've been trying to gas the little bast*rds for years!

Answer 10

Very interesting question.

Very informative answers.