Broad bodied chaser panting ?

Lord V · #1 (**permalink**) 19-06-2010, 06:24 AM

Have to link this pic as it's an animated GIF.
Noticed the abdomen of this broad bodied chaser was rythmically contracting and expanding made a 5 shot animated GIF of it.
Is it panting ?- ie forcing air in and out of it's spiracle air tubes?

Brian v.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4018/...f6a0702b_o.gif

Jason Green · #2 (**permalink**) 21-06-2010, 11:53 AM

Afternoon Brian,

Not sure, but apparently abdominal contractions can be used to aid digestion...

Take care,

Jason

The Woodman · #3 (**permalink**) 21-06-2010, 11:57 AM

And/or is it releasing pheromones?

Jason Green · #4 (**permalink**) 21-06-2010, 02:11 PM

Sorry Brian, forgot to say the GIF is excellent and very helpful in this context

Paul mabbott · #5 (**permalink**) 21-06-2010, 02:26 PM

Very interesting sequence.
Is there any chance that this could be a recently eclosed individual? Lots of insects use muscular activity (mainly, I think, by pumping their abdominal muscles or by flexing their wings) to force haemolymph around their bodies to expand them to 'full' size. Doesn't loo a recent emergence .....
Or, yes, just trying to get more oxygen around their bodies!

Jason Green · #6 (**permalink**) 21-06-2010, 02:30 PM

...I've seen Hoverflies doing this prior to ovipositing among aphids too.

Susie · #7 (**permalink**) 21-06-2010, 03:35 PM

i watched lots of male scarce chasers doing this at close quarters yesterday. They were very mature. They would dart off, go for a quick fly round and then return to their perch and 'pant' for a good minute before going off again.

Lord V · #8 (**permalink**) 21-06-2010, 04:22 PM

Thanks for the comments. These comments and other info does I think point to it forcing more air in out of it's spiracles by this activity.
Brian v.

Susie · #9 (**permalink**) 21-06-2010, 04:35 PM

Just wanted to add that the SC were sitting in full sun, I guess unlike butterflies they can't close their wings or angle themselves away from the sunshine, so perhaps this is a way to lose heat when in full sunshine but still be ready to go at a moment's notice?

Beekeeper · #10 (**permalink**) 21-06-2010, 06:40 PM

Honey bees do this just prior to taking off, it seems they have a little breathing exersise to gain maximum effect for lift off, without fully inflating their air sacks they find it impossible to leave the ground.

The Acarine mite which infects honey bees prevents this from happening so a sure sign all is not well is numerous bees walking away from the hive.

Maybe Dragonflies do the same !

Ian