What adaptation allows the Giant Water Bug to breathe air at the surface of the water?
Answer
A modified siphon located at the rear end of their abdomen.
Despite being formidable aquatic hunters, Giant Water Bugs are air-breathers and must periodically return to the surface for oxygen intake. They accomplish this discreetly using an ingenious structure located at the posterior tip of the abdomen. This beak-like structure functions as a siphon, which is positioned just below the water line. This allows the insect to draw air down into its respiratory system without fully breaking the surface tension or revealing its entire body, thus maintaining its camouflage while respiring.
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