Tiny Divers Challenge a Major Theory About Ocean Insects

UBC researchers tracked Chaoborus edulis larvae in Lake Malawi and found their respiratory air sacs have evolved into buoyancy-control structures.

Reinforced with resilin, the sacs withstood pressures beyond 400 meters, far deeper than the larvae normally dive.

The result weakens a leading theory that deep-water pressure is why insects are rare in the open ocean.

It may also inspire pH-responsive biomaterials and soft actuators based on resilin.