Respiration patterns of resting wasps (Vespula sp.)

► Wasps breathe discontinuously up to high temperatures despite a high resting metabolism. ► At similar respiration frequencies wasps release more CO2 than many other insects. ► Wasp respiration is always accompanied by abdominal respiration movements (pumping). ► Abdominal pumping is often accompanied by leg, wing and body movements. ► Wasps enhance efficiency of gas exchange via length and type of respiration movements.