News Animals Bad Breath: Insects zip air holes to cut oxygen risks By Susan Milius February 2, 2005 at 11:13 am - More than 2 years ago Share this:Share Share via email (Opens in new window) Email Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X Click to print (Opens in new window) Print A need to avoid overdosing on that dangerous gas—oxygen—may be what drives some insects to shut down their breathing holes periodically. STOPPERS. Short, parallel slits at the right on this Atlas moth pupa open and close, perhaps to minimize damaging exposure to oxygen. Hetz MOTH STUDY.