The Effect of Carbon Dioxide and Certain Respiratory Inhibitors on the Respiration of Larvae of the Horse Bot Fly (Gastrophilus Intestinalis De Geer)
1. The respiration of the Gastrophilus larva has been investigated using three different manometric methods by which measurements may be made in the presence of carbon dioxide. 2. A new manometric apparatus of simple construction, designed for measurement of insect respiration in the presence or absence of CO2, is described. 3. In the absence of CO2 the respiration of Gastrophilus larvae progressively decreases and they eventually die. A manifestation of the CO2 deficiency is an impaired cell permeability, resulting in leakage of haemoglobin from the tracheal cells into the blood. 4. The respiration of Gastrophilus pupae and Calliphora larvae was not affected by the absence of CO2. 5. Both cyanide and carbon monoxide, but not sodium malonate, inhibited the respiration of Gastrophilus larvae during diapause. 6. The importance of allowing sufficient time for equilibration and settling down in the measurement of insect respiration is demonstrated.