The Effect of Carbon Dioxide and Certain Respiratory Inhibitors on the Respiration of Larvae of the Horse Bot Fly (Gastrophilus Intestinalis De Geer)

Abstract

In a previous paper (Levenbook, 1950a) it has been demonstrated that the larvae of the fly Gastrophilus intestinalis de Geer, parasitic in the stomach of the horse, contain far more carbon dioxide in their haemolymph and tissues than is normally found in insects, and that this is a consequence of the extremely high CO₂ tension prevailing in their normal habitat. In the present study it will be shown that these larvae are so adapted to CO₂ in their environment that its removal leads to a profound depression of their respiration and to eventual death.