Novel case of a tenebrionid beetle using discontinuous gas exchange cycle when dehydrated

Abstract

In this study we show a link between the respiratory method and state of hydration in an arid dwelling tenebrionid beetle (Pimelia grandis). Dehydrated beetles use discontinuous gas exchange cycles with a flutter period consisting of several discrete bursts of CO2 release, whereas beetles given access to food and water showed a form of continuous CO2 release. These data give support to the respiratory water conservation hypothesis for the discontinuous gas exchange cycle.