Thermoregulation in bees is one of the biggest, if not the biggest
limiting factor in flight performance.  Bumblebee thoraxes tend
to run at about 35 C to 40 C (95 F to 104 F) during flight, even
at low air temperatures.

The Argonne National Lab's synchrotron was used to x-ray a few
beetles, and provided clear evidence that at least these beetles,
if not all insects "breathe".  (This was one of the most expensive
x-rays ever made, and worse yet, was not covered by any medical
insurance policy.)

They expel air from their trachea, and the relaxation after the
"exhalation" draws air back into the trachea.  Backwards from
how mammals breathe.

Yes, in Saturday's Washington Post, of all places.

I guess they wanted to run at least one story that was not about
Darth Vader^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^HGeorge Bush and Iraq.

Here's the online version of the article:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A35267-2003Jan23.html

        jim