Spiracle
Description:
An external orifice leading to the tracheal system (= the respiratory system) and by which gases enter and leave the body. Ants have 9 or 10 spiracles on each side of the body. The prothoracic spiracles have been lost and the metathoracic spiracles may be present, concealed or absent. Spiracles of abdominal segments 1 to 4 are always visible. Spiracles of abdominal segments 5 to 7 are usually concealed beneath the preceding abdominal segment but may be visible in some ant taxa. The spiracle of the spiracular plate (an internal sclerite forming part of the sting apparatus and derived from the abdominal segment 8) is always hidden.
Scientific name:
Gnamptogenys