why insect suffocate when it abdomen is immersed in water rather than the head

Question: why insect suffocate when it abdomen is immersed in water rather than the head
- Keywords:
  insect
Asked by chat20fen to Sally, Mmboyi, Mike, Michael, Jacinta, Gliday, Elkana, Edna, Arnold on 17 Jul 2025.
- Michael Kimwele answered on 17 Jul 2025:
  
  Insects primarily suffocate when their abdomens are submerged in water because their respiratory system relies on openings called spiracles located on the abdomen, not the head. These spiracles connect to a network of tubes (trachea) that carry oxygen to the insect’s tissues. When water blocks these spiracles, the insect can no longer take in oxygen, leading to suffocation. Conversely, immersing the head doesn’t block these openings and therefore doesn’t impede respiration.

Question: why insect suffocate when it abdomen is immersed in water rather than the head