spiracle
/ˈspaɪrəkəl/
noun
- An external opening in an insect, spider, or other arthropod through which air enters the respiratory system.
- The caterpillar's spiracles are visible as small dots on its sides.
- A grasshopper breathes through tiny holes called spiracles along its abdomen.
- Insects close their spiracles to prevent water loss in dry conditions.
- A breathing hole or blowhole on the top of the head of a whale, dolphin, or other cetacean.
- The whale surfaced and blew water from its spiracle.
- Scientists study the sounds made by air passing through a whale's spiracle.
- Dolphins have a single spiracle that they use to breathe at the surface.