How Insect Larvae Survive Deep Dives With Sturdy Air Sacs
Sturdy Air Sacs Built for Crushing Depths
Chaoborus edulis larvae carry a biological tool that sets them apart. They have unusually robust air sacs. Without them, the larvae would implode
A Daily Migration Through a Dead Zone
Billions of these larvae make an extraordinary commute each day. During daylight hours they sink into an oxygen-starved region called the dead zone. This area has almost no dissolved oxygen. By staying there, they hide from predators that hunt in the shallows. After sunset they rise back to the surface to feed. But the return trip is perilous. A dense horde of fish waits to intercept them as they ascend. The larvae must navigate through this swarm to reach the food-rich top waters. The sheer number of individuals involved in this migration is staggering.