The larval behaviors probably associated with respiration are reported in different larval instars of Luciola substriata Gorham (Coleoptera: Lampyridae). The behavior involved exposing eighth abdominal segment with spiracles to the atmosphere when swim behavior occurred to 1^st–2^nd and 3^rd–6^th instar larvae. In addition, 3^rd–6^th instar larvae exposed second to seventh abdominal segments with spiracles to air when swimming. Swimming and the behavior that uses the force of body curving travelling in a head-to-tail direction produces a sinusoidal wave. However, probably 1^st–2^nd instar larvae used both tracheal gills and the exposed posterior spiracle for respiration. Whereas 3^rd–6^th instar larvae lack tracheal gills, they probably rely only on tracheal respiration. The survival times of 1^st–2^nd instar larvae were nine times to 3^rd–6^th instar larvae when the water in the beakers was isolated from atmosphere by a thin plastic membrane. The potential for different selective pressures acting on these early and late instars was discussed.