Prostigma (Diptera)
Encyclopedia
The Prostigma, Stigma Anteriore or Anterior Spiracle is the anterior of the two pairs of spiracle
s opening on the pleura
. The mesothoracic (anterior) pair is located between the pro- and mesothorax and the metathoracic pair (developed mainly in nematocerous Diptera) between the meso- and metathothorax. The following illustration shows the prostigma as number 13 on the right side of the image. The function of the prostigma (as well as the anterior stigma) is to provide an airway into the insect's thorax to facilitate respiration.
Spiracle
Spiracles are openings on the surface of some animals that usually lead to respiratory systems.-Vertebrates:The spiracle is a small hole behind each eye that opens to the mouth in some fishes. In the primitive jawless fish the first gill opening immediately behind the mouth is essentially similar...
s opening on the pleura
Pleuron (insect)
The pleuron is a lateral sclerite of thoracic segment of an insect between the tergum and the sternum. The terms pro-, meso- and metapleuron are used respectively for the pleura of the first, second and third thoracic segments....
. The mesothoracic (anterior) pair is located between the pro- and mesothorax and the metathoracic pair (developed mainly in nematocerous Diptera) between the meso- and metathothorax. The following illustration shows the prostigma as number 13 on the right side of the image. The function of the prostigma (as well as the anterior stigma) is to provide an airway into the insect's thorax to facilitate respiration.