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Photo#255062
Abedus herberti breathing strap - Abedus herberti - female

Abedus herberti breathing strap - Abedus herberti - Female
Southwest Research Station, Cochise County, Arizona, USA
June 30, 2006
Size: 35mm
Breathing strap detail for A. herberti. These are flat appendages that extend upwards to draw air down into the insect's spiracles. The family Belostomatidae is united by presence of extendable breathing organs at the end of the abdomen. Belostomatids and their superfamily, the Nepoidea, are aquatic insects that breathe air in the same fashion as snorkelers. They generally assume a head-down hunting posture on emergent vegetation and snatch passers-by. Taxonomy in the genus Abedus can sometimes be performed by comparing the hair-patterns on these straps.

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Abedus herberti breathing strap - Abedus herberti - female Abedus herberti breathing strap - Abedus herberti - female

"Breathing strap?"
Is this located on the last abdominal segment? Please remember that not everyone using Bugguide has an intimate knowledge of arthropod anatomy. I 'do,' and I've never heard of this body part myself....Thank you.

 
Thank you!
Thank you, much better when explained so nicely.

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