Wasps do not possess lungs or a diaphragm as mammals do, so they cannot “hold their breath” in the human sense. Their survival underwater relates to their unique respiratory system and physiological adaptations to a lack of oxygen. This article explains how wasps breathe, what happens when submerged, and the factors influencing their survival duration.
The Unique Wasp Respiratory System
Wasps breathe through a network of tubes called the tracheal system, which is distinct from the circulatory system. Air enters this system through small external openings along their bodies, known as spiracles. These spiracles act as valves that can open and close to regulate airflow.
Once air enters the spiracles, it travels through progressively smaller tracheal tubes that branch throughout the wasp’s body, delivering oxygen directly to individual tissues and cells. This direct delivery system means the wasp’s blood, or hemolymph, does not transport oxygen, unlike mammalian blood. Gas exchange primarily occurs through passive diffusion, driven by differences in oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations. The process is not a conscious act of breathing.
Wasp Submersion Survival
When a wasp is submerged, its spiracles can close tightly to prevent water from entering the tracheal system. This allows them to seal off their internal respiratory passages. Some wasps can keep their spiracles closed for an extended period.
Wasps can also trap a thin layer or bubble of air around their bodies. This trapped air bubble acts like a temporary “gill,” allowing for limited gas exchange or providing a small reserve of oxygen. Wasps can also significantly reduce their metabolic rate when deprived of oxygen, a state known as anoxia. This physiological shutdown conserves internal oxygen reserves and slows the need for respiration, enabling them to survive for long durations, sometimes hours or even days, without fresh air.
Factors Influencing Submersion Duration
Several elements impact how long a wasp can survive underwater. Water temperature is a significant factor; colder water typically slows a wasp’s metabolic rate, reducing its oxygen demand and allowing it to survive longer. This reduced metabolic activity means the wasp consumes less of its internal oxygen stores.
The presence and size of any air bubble trapped around the wasp’s body also play a role. A larger, stable air bubble provides a greater, albeit temporary, oxygen supply and can facilitate more prolonged survival. Oxygen levels dissolved in the water itself can minimally contribute if some gas exchange is possible through the trapped air. The specific wasp species, its overall health, and individual metabolic rate also influence its resilience to submersion. Younger or healthier wasps might endure longer periods underwater compared to older or stressed individuals.