Spiracular gill

Pronunciation
/SPAIR-ih-kul-er GILL/
Category
Anatomy
Singular
Spiracular gill
Plural
Spiracular gills

Definition

An external respiratory organ found in some aquatic insects, consisting of a modified spiracle that allows for gas exchange underwater.

Etymology

From Latin 'spiraculum', meaning 'a breathing hole', and 'gill', referring to a respiratory organ.

Example

The larvae of certain aquatic insects, such as some dragonflies and stoneflies, possess spiracular gills that allow them to breathe underwater.

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