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How do dragonfly larvae breathe underwater?
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Odonata
Male jewelwing damselfly (Calopteryx splendens).
Dragonfly larvae (suborder Anisoptera) breathe underwater using specialized internal gills located within the rectum.12
To facilitate gas exchange, the larvae rhythmically pump water in and out through the anus, which ensures a constant flow of oxygenated water over the internal gill surfaces. In addition to respiration, this mechanism serves a secondary purpose: the larvae can forcefully expel water from the rectum to achieve jet propulsion, which acts as an effective escape tactic when they are threatened.13