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This is a nearly mature 3rd instar larva
of Augosoma centaurus. The dark row
of spots which can clearly been seen along the side of its body are the
spiracles, the openings which lead to the insect's tracheal network.
This network of tiny tubes is the insect equivalent of the vertebrate lung,
and thus the spiracles could be called the insect version of nostrils.
In the adult beetle, the spiracles are also located along the sides of
the abdomen, but they have no distinct coloration, and are not especially
noticeable. |
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