Water facts

WATER AND RIVERS COMMISSION OCTOBER 2001 2 ND

2
E DITION

Water quality and

macroinvertebrates
Introduction
Streams, rivers, wetlands and lakes are
home for many small animals called
macroinvertebrates. These animals
generally include insects, crustaceans,
molluscs, arachnids and annelids. The
term macroinvertebrate describes those
animals that have no backbone and can
be seen with the naked eye. Some aquatic
macroinvertebrates can be quite large,
such as freshwater crayfish, however,
most are very small. Invertebrates that
are retained on a 0.25mm mesh net are
generally termed macroinvertebrates.

These animals live in the water for all or part of their

Partcipants learning aquatic macroinvertebrate sampling
lives, so their survival is related to the water quality. They
techniques from Ribbons of Blue Swan Regional
are significant within the foodchain as larger animals such
Coordinator, Carlie Slodecki.
as fish and birds rely on them as a food source.
Macroinvertebrates are sensitive to different chemical and
physical conditions. If there is a change in the water
quality, perhaps because of a pollutant entering the water,
or a change in the flow downstream of a dam, then the
macroinvertebrate community may also change.
Therefore, the richness of macroinvertebrate community
composition in a waterbody can be used to provide an
estimate of waterbody health. Macroinvertebrate
communities vary across the State and different
waterbodies often have their own characteristic
communities. As many of the waterbodies in Western
Australia are not permanent, animals are tolerant to a wide
variety of environmental conditions. Most have a phase
within their life cycle to escape extreme conditions. Once
familiar with the taxa in your local area, you can use them Students sorting a macroinvertebrate sample taken from
as an additional way of monitoring the waterbody you are the Mortlock River by Ribbons of Blue Avon Regional
studying. coordinator.
 Incomplete
metamorphosis

Egg

Early Nymph

Late Nymph

Adult

Complete
metamorphosis

Egg

Larva

Pupa

Adult

Figure 1: Insect life cycles

Life cycle to as functional feeding groups and help describe the role
each macroinvertebrate plays in an aquatic system.
The most common types of aquatic macroinvertebrates are
insects. As insects grow from an egg to an adult they Shredders feed on organic material, such as leaves and
change their body shape or metamorphoses. Insects show woody material, and help to convert this matter into finer
both complete and incomplete metamorphosis. Incomplete particles. They require vegetation growing along a
metamorphosis involves the egg hatching into a nymph. waterbody, so that plant material falls into the water, and
At every moulting the nymph looks more and more like slow flowing water so that the plant material is not swept
the adult form. Complete metamorphosis involves the egg away. Such animals include amphipods, isopods,
hatching into a larva, which is very different to the adult. freshwater crayfish (marron, gilgies, koonacs) and some
The final larval stage involves the animal developing into caddisfly larvae
a pupa, which is very different from the larva. From this Collectors/Filter feeders feed on fine organic particles
stage the animal then develops into an adult. For most, the that has been produced by shredders, microorganisms and
aquatic juvenile stage occupies by far the major by physical processes. Such animals include mayfly
proportion of the life cycle and is largely a feeding nymph, mussels, water fleas, some fly larvae and worms.
machine, leaving for the adult only a brief reproductive
Scrapers graze algae and other organic matter that is
role. Some dragonfly larvae take three years to mature.
attached to rocks and plants. Such animals include snails,
limpets and mayfly larvae.
What do macroinvertebrates eat?
Predators feed on live prey and are found where smaller
Macroinvertebrates are an important part of the aquatic
collectors and shredders exist. Such animals include
food chain and can be characterised by what the animal
dragonfly and damselfly larvae, adult beetles and beetle
feeds on and how it acquires it. The categories are referred
larvae, some midge larvae and some stonefly larvae.
 Riparian vegetation

Shade

Water surface

Open water
Rocks and
stones Snags and
woody debris

Aquatic
vegetation Leaf litter
Sediment

Figure 2: Habitats in a generalised waterbody

Habitat scrapers dominate the macroinvertebrate community.

Collectors will burrow into the sediment or filter their
Macroinvertebrates live in many different places in a food directly from the water column. Grazers will be
waterbody. Some live on the water’s surface, some in the found on rocks, snags and woody debris or aquatic plants.
water itself, others in the sediment or on the bottom or on In both lotic and lentic waterbodies, predators are found
submerged rocks, logs, and leaf litter. Each type of habitat where their preferred prey is located.
provides a surface or spaces on or within which
macroinvertebrates can live. Water condition and macroinvertebrates
The most important feature around a waterbody is Environmental modifications or pollution can alter
vegetation. Aquatic plants, particularly rushes and sedges, macroinvertebrate communities. Poor catchment
provide a surface on which macroinvertebrates can live. In management can exaggerate the turbidity of water. In
addition, they balance the water flow, light availability highly turbid water, the light penetration is reduced
and temperature around them. Shade by native trees and affecting photosynthesis of plants and also increases the
shrubs beside the water can reduce the extremes in temperature of the water. The suspended solids may clog
temperature. Native trees, shrubs, rushes and sedges respiratory surfaces or interfere with feeding appendages.
protect banks from erosion, help to control the water flow, Filter feeders receive reduced nutritional value and expend
and act as nutrient filters. Logs, branches, bark and leaves more energy to collect food, as otherwise they will starve.
that fall into the water provide habitat for aquatic High levels of suspended solids may begin to settle and
organisms. Leaf litter forms an important part of a food change the composition of the bed of the waterbody as it
web for macroinvertebrates which feed on this material, or coats rocks and vegetation. This can affect movement,
on the bacteria and fungi which cause it to decay. feeding, habitat and reproduction of some
In fast flowing water (lotic) such as the upland streams, macroinvertebrates.
the bed consists of large rocks and stones and the stream Salinity is a major problem facing waterbodies in the
is heavily shaded. The influence of vegetation is very south-west of Western Australia. Macroinvertebrate
high. This provides food supply for largely collectors and communities have varying tolerances to different levels of
shredders. Macroinvertebrates are adapted to fast flowing salinities. A decrease in the range of Marron has been
water by having powerful suckers or gripping legs. attributed to the increase of salinity in south-west rivers.
In slow moving or still water (lentic) such as lowland However studies in WA have shown that generally
rivers or wetlands, the bed may be sandy or muddy with crustaceans are more tolerant to rising salinity than
increased light penetration. Nutrients are available and insects.
produce conditions for algal growth. Collectors and
The riparian vegetation balances the temperature in a It is very important to note, however, that when assessing
healthy aquatic system. If this vegetation is cleared, it macroinvertebrates, other physical, chemical and other
gives rise to more light penetration and an increase in biological data should be considered to support the
turbidity from exposed soil. Industrial discharges or waterbody assessment. Other biological measures could
stormwater runoff from hot surfaces (eg roads and include riparian vegetation, fish, frogs, birds, algae and
carparks) could increase the temperature quickly and faecal coliforms. Common physical and chemical
discharges from reservoirs could release cooler water. parameters assessed in Ribbons of Blue/Waterwatch WA
Some macroinvertebrates might be able to tolerate slight monitoring programs include temperature, turbidity,
increases in temperature. Sensitive macroinvertebrates conductivity, pH, nutrients and dissolved oxygen.
such as stoneflies, which are restricted to cool, fast
flowing waterbodies, cannot cope with such changes. Macroinvertebrate sampling
High levels of nutrients in the form of nitrogen and There are various ways to sample macroinvertebrates and
phosphorus from fertilisers and wastewater can activate the method used depends on a whole host of reasons, in
excessive algal growth (algal blooms). The death and particular, your reasons for sampling. This method
decay of these algae can produce toxins and stagnant presented in this booklet provides a rapid, and effective
conditions. In these conditions, macroinvertebrate way of sampling macroinvertebrates and ideally suits
community diversity is usually reduced but there is school and community groups. The procedure is
generally an increase in the abundance of a few species. adaptable, whether the desire for the group is purely for
These macroinvertebrates are able to take advantage awareness or whether the sampling is part of a monitoring
(opportunistic) of the altered conditions and exploit the program. Ribbons of Blue is an education network which
excess of food supply. Red midge larvae (Chironomids) works with many school and community groups and can
are very tolerant to low levels of dissolved oxygen. provide training for registered groups in macroinvertebrate
sampling.
Toxic materials can enter waterbodies from industrial and
agricultural wastewater and can include such substances
as pesticides and heavy metals. The effect to the
Where to sample
macroinvertebrate communities may be short-term (acute) You can sample in a range of waterbodies, including such
if the pollutant exists in the water at high enough as rivers, streams, creeks, drains, lakes, wetlands and
concentrations. In most cases, however, toxicants ponds. Choose a site or a number of sites that have easy
concentrations and discharges vary considerably. access and are easily accessible. If the site lies on
Therefore, emphasis is placed on long-term effects privately owned land, ensure you have permission to
(chronic) where toxins can accumulate and become sample. Your choice of sites will depend on your reasons
concentrated in food chains. Macroinvertebrates for monitoring eg. effect of rehabilitation at a site or the
communities could be effected by decreased reproduction, effect of a pipe entering a stream.
impaired behavioural responses, disease or eventually
death. The presence of such toxicants generally tends to Safety
reduce the overall diversity of macroinvertebrates.
Safety considerations are paramount. Under no
The response to pollutants can vary enormously. For circumstances should you sample at any site that might be
example, most species of mayfly nymph do not respond unsafe and never sample alone. At the end of the sampling
well to sediment or organic pollutants, but some are quite session it is recommended that you wash your hands
tolerant. The larvae of dragonflies and damselflies can be thoroughly before consuming food. Here are some more
quite tolerant of salinity, but are harmed by other points to consider:
pollutants. Some animals can act as pollution indicator
1. Understand the risks
species because they respond to specific changes in the
2. Never sample alone
water conditions.
3. Never go into the water above your knees
Why monitor with macroinvertebrates? 4. Avoid contact with polluted water
5. Choose safe sites
Macroinvertebrates are sampled in waterbodies because
6. Wear appropriate clothing
they are useful biological indicators of change in the
7. Take safety gear and a first aid kit
aquatic systems. The main advantages of using
macroinvertebrates is that some have life span of up to a 8. Plan and maintain contact with help
year and greater, they relatively sedentary, have varying
sensitivities to changes in water quality and they are easily
collected and identified.
When to sample How to take a sample
If macroinvertebrate sampling is being conducted as part To conduct macroinvertebrate sampling someone will
of a monitoring program, data should be collected at least need to enter water and they should have appropriate
once or twice a year. The highest diversity is generally clothing, preferably waders. Use the handle of the dip net
when the high water levels and flows have reduced and to gauge of the depth and composition of the waterbed
temperatures are beginning to increase. For rivers in the prior to entering. Sampling needs to be conducted for at
south west, this would be in spring and for wetlands this least 5 minutes. Over-sampling is better than under-
would be in late winter, spring and early summer. The sampling to ensure the greatest range of
times differ because rivers rapidly stop flowing as soon as macroinvertebrates.
rainfall stops. The frequency and time of sampling will
There are two different methods of sampling
depend on your reasons for sampling and efforts to
macroinvertebrates. A kick sample is used for flowing
minimise disturbance.
water with mainly rocky bottoms. The sediment and
stones are disturbed immediately upstream of the net by
Minimise disturbance stirring it up using your feet so that the animals are
Macroinvertebrate sampling does disturb the dislodged and are swept into the net, which is located just
macroinvertebrates and their habitats. It is important that downstream of your feet. A sweep sample is used in deep
the impact is kept to a minimum. Frequency of sampling water or muddy bottoms and sampling along banks and
should be limited to four times a year. Only allow one or amongst vegetation. Bounce the net backwards over the
two people at a time to enter the water to sample. Once bottom to stir up the sediment, then scoop it forward.
macroinvertebrates are identified and recorded they should Repeat, swirling the debris back into the net. Scrape the
be returned to the water unharmed as soon as possible to net up against emergent vegetation and submerged rocks
where they were sampled. If any other animals such as and logs. The focus in macroinvertebrate sampling is to
fish and amphibians are caught, they must be returned sample as many of these habitats as possible in order to
immediately as the primary focus of this type of sampling collect the majority of the macroinvertebrate taxa at a site.
is macroinvertebrates. Remember all native fish and
Carefully rinse the net several times in the waterbody to
amphibians are protected.
let the excess sediment pass through. Transfer the contents
of the net into a bucket that is waiting at the shoreline
Equipment half-filled with water from the site.
There are various items of equipment required for the
sampling, sorting and identification of aquatic How to sort a sample
macroinvertebrates. To ensure that the sampling is a
Sorting should be performed at the site immediately after
success, here is a checklist of equipment that you should
sampling. Select a position to sort that is flat, and not in
bring.
direct sunlight. Gently mix the sample in the bucket to
ensure that the contents are evenly distributed. Empty
some or the entire sample into a white tray, which has
about 2cm of clean water. Bear in mind that too much
sample might make it impossible to see any of the taxa.
Allow the sample to settle and observe any movement in
the water. Using a spoon or a plastic pipette, carefully
collect any taxa that are seen. If you are too vigorous in
sorting you may stir up all the material making it quite
hard to see any of the taxa in the tray. Transfer collected
taxa into a white ice-block tray for a closer observation
A collection of equipment used in the sampling, sorting with a magnifying glass. Make sure that the ice-block tray
and identification of macroinvertebrates. also has clean water in the compartments. Place similar
macroinvertebrates into the same compartments. The
Checklist
sorting process should take a minimum of 20 minutes as
❏ Sampling net ❏ Sorting Equipment - spoons, some taxa are quite hard to find, particularly to an
❏ Waders/boots pipettes inexperienced eye. Remember some taxa can be very large
❏ Buckets ❏ Maginfying glass and others can be smaller than 1 mm that may look like a
❏ Sorting trays ❏ Identification keys grain of sand. When you believe all taxa are found it is
❏ Ice-block trays ❏ Clipboards and pencils recommended to keep on looking for a further 10 minutes.
It is not necessary to pick out every animal, but rather,
pick out as many different types as possible. This is the How to classify macroinvertebrates
information that will recorded on the data sheet and used
Before identification it is important to understand how
to estimate the health of the waterbody.
living things are classified. There is a huge variety of
life on earth which can be quite confusing, so
biologists have developed a system that assembles all
the living things into groups. The basic groupings are
Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus and
Species.
The groups are arranged in a hierarchical system.
Within a kingdom are groups called phyla, within a
phylum there are groups called classes, within a class
there are groups called orders, and so on. A kingdom
is a large and broad division such as whether the
living thing is a plant or an animal, while on the other
end of the system, species is finite division with
members sharing very similar attributes.
Marron are a very well known invertebrate inhabiting
the waterbodies of the south west of Western
Australia. Here is an example of the classification of
Participant sampling site, which is a still body of water this animal. Therefore, scientists would refer to the
with muddy sediments. Marron as Cherax tenuimanus. This naming system is
called a binomial system and consists of two parts.
The first part is the generic name which has the first
letter as a capital and then is followed by the specific
name which is all lower case. The name should also
be written in italics as above or underlined
eg. Cherax tenuimanus.

Classification of a marron
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Arthropoda
Class Crustacea
Order Decapoda
Family Parastacidae
Genus Cherax
Species Cherax tenuimanus

Participant sampling site, which is a flowing drain with

emergent vegetation.
How to identify macroinvertebrates
Identification can be conducted concurrently with sorting
or afterwards. Use an identification key (such as Ribbons
of Blue/Waterwatch WA resources) to accurately identify
what you have found. If you have trouble identifying a
macroinvertebrate, try taking a photo or drawing a sketch
with a description so it can be identified later. Once the
macroinvertebrates have been sorted and identified they
should be returned back to the water that they were
collected from immediately.

Participants sorting a macroinvertebrate sample and

using an identification key.
Recording Hawking, J.H., Smith, F.J. 1997, Colour Guide to
Invertebrates of Australian Inland Waters, Co-operative
When you have completed the sorting and identification, Research Centre for Freshwater Ecology, Albury.
mark down on the Macroinvertebrate Data Sheet what you
have found. Count each type of organism only once. Also Miller, R. 1983, Freshwater Invertebrates, Gould League
make notes about abundance and any other observations. of Victoria.
Pen, L.J. 1999, Managing Our Rivers, Water and Rivers
Interpretation Commission, Perth.
Each macroinvertebrate is either present or not present at Wallis, W. 1992. Ponding: Activities for Your Local Lake,
a site for a combination of reasons. Take into account Pond or Puddle, Gould League of Victoria.
lifecycle, seasons, water flow, riparian vegetation,
Water and Rivers Commision 2000a. Habitat of rivers and
habitats and water quality to try to explain why each
creeks, Water and Rivers Commission WN8, Perth.
animal is living at a site and how it is interacting with
the environment and other organisms. Some Water and Rivers Commisssion 2000b. Stream Ecology.
macroinvertebrates can be classed as either sensitive or Water and Rivers Commission Restoration Report No.
tolerant depending on their response to specific changes in RR7, Perth.
the water conditions. With further monitoring and more
Water and Rivers Commision 2000c. The value of Large
data, it could be possible to calculate sensitivity ratings
Woody Debris (Snags), Water and Rivers Commission
for each animal. Also you can compare your data at a site
WN9, Perth.
at different times of the year, or with different sites in the
same catchment or stream, or with different waterbodies. Williams, W.D. 1980, Australian Freshwater Life, The
Invertebrates of Australian Inland Waters, Macmillan
Useful references Australia.

Davis, J., Christidis, F. 1997, A Guide to Wetland Winters, B. 1998, Australian Guide to Pondlife, Gould
Invertebrates of Southwestern Australia, Western League of Victoria.
Australian Museum, Perth.
Gould League. 1989, Wetlands Wildlife, Gould League of
Victoria.

For more information contact

RIBBONS OF BLUE

WATERWATCH WA
Communities Caring for Catchments

Level 2 Hyatt Centre, 3 Plain Street

East Perth Western Australia 6004
Telephone: (08) 9278 0300
Facsimile: (08) 9278 0301
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or your regional office.

This Fact Sheet is one in a series providing information

on water issues of interest to the community.
Artwork: Gould League of WA and Waterwatch SA

Printed on recycled paper October 2001

ISSN: 1328-2042 ISBN: 0-7309-7564-9
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 Macroinvertebrate Data Sheet
Group: Site:
Contact : Sampling Net:
Date: Time: Sampling Time: mins Sorting Time: mins

Macroinvertebrate Classification Present (✓) Comments

PHYLUM ARTHROPODA – CLASS INSECTA
Stonefly larvae Plecoptera (order)
Mayfly nymph Ephemeroptera (order)
Caddisfly larvae Trichoptera (order)
Dragonfly larvae Odonata (order)
Damselfly larvae Odonata (order)
Water boatmen Corixidae (family)
Backswimmers Notonectidae (family)
Water scorpion Nepidae (family)
Water measurer Hydrometridae (family)
Water strider Gerridae (family)
Riffle beetle/larvae Elmidae (family)
Predacious diving beetle adult/larvae Dytiscidae (family)
Water scavenger beetle adult/larvae Hydrophilidae (family)
Whirligig beetle adult/larvae Gyrinidae (family)
Mosquito larvae and pupae Culicidae (family)
Blackfly larvae Simuliidae (family)
Soldier fly larvae Stratiomyidae (family)
Biting midge larvae Ceratopogonidae (family)
Non-biting midge larvae Chironomidae (family)
Springtails Collembola (order)
PHYLUM ARTHROPODA - CLASS CRUSTACEA
Freshwater crayfish Parastacidae (family)
Freshwater prawn Decapoda (order)
Water flea Cladocera (suborder)
Amphipod Amphipoda (order)
Ostracod Ostracoda (subclass)
Copepod Copepoda (subclass)
Isopod Isopoda (order)
PHYLUM ARTHROPODA - CLASS ARACHNIDA
Water mite Acarina (order)
Water spider Araneae (order)
PHYLUM MOLLUSCA
Freshwater mussel Bivalvia (class)
Freshwater snail Gastropoda (class)
PHYLUM ANNELIDA
Segmented worm Oligochaeta (class)
Leeches Hirudinea (class)
PHYLUM NEMATODA
Roundworms Nematoda (phylum)
PHYLUM PLATYHELMINTHES
Flatworms Turbellaria (class)
MACROINVERTEBRATE DIVERSITY (TOTAL) *

*Add up the number of ✓’s to determine the total number of different macroinvertebrates found. The presence of
various freshwater macroinvertebrates may vary according to season, lifecycle, water flow, habitat and water quality.
Backswimmer Biting midge larvae
Backswimmers as the name Biting midge larvae have a slender, whitish body, and
suggests are active swimmers that their movement is snake-like. They are found in
swim upside down. They sediments near the banks of rivers and lakes and feed
periodically break the water on algae and organic
surface with their abdomen to material, while some
collect air. They prey on a range are predators.
of small aquatic animals.
SIZE: Up to 12 mm
SIZE: Up to 7 mm

Blackfly larvae Caddisfly larvae

Blackfly larvae are cylindrical Caddisfly larvae are worm-like insect larvae with three
in shape with the abdomen pairs of legs on the first three body segments. They are
thickened. They have a pair usually found in cases
of ‘brushes’ on the head and made from rolled
prefer running water. They are leaves, hollow twigs or
found attached to rocks and sand glued together
stones. with only their head and
legs protruding when
SIZE: Up to 7 mm
they move.
SIZE: Up to 20 mm

Damselfly larvae Dragonfly larvae

Damselfly larvae are more Dragonfly larvae are short, robust
slender than dragonflies, predators with wing pads and
have a distinct head section, internal gills. They are found on
and three gills on the tail tip. plants, among stones and leaf
They are found on plants, litter, or on the waterbed.
among stones and leaf litter,
SIZE: Up to 50 mm
or on the waterbed.
SIZE: Up to 27 mm

Mayfly nymph Non-biting midge

Mayfly nymph have three long Non-biting midge larvae are worm-like, have
filaments at the end of their a visible head and 2 pairs of small legs.
abdomen, with wing pads and Some are red in colour. They are found
lateral gills along the abdomen. in sediments sometimes in high
They have short antennae, and a numbers. They feed on algae and
single claw on each foot. They are organic material while some are
found under stones in fast flowing predacious.
water or among plants in slow SIZE: Up to 30 mm
flowing water.
SIZE: Up to 10 mm

Mosquito pupae and larvae

Mosquito larvae have a head with feeding ‘brushes’, an enlarged
thorax and a breathing tube on the end of the abdomen. Larvae are
usually found in still waters and feed on decaying organic material
and algae. They swim in a wriggling motion. Pupae are aquatic and
do not feed. They have a breathing tube on the thorax.
SIZE: 3-6 mm

Larva Pupa
Predacious diving beetle
Adults are strong swimmers and use their flattened hind legs as oars.
Many are dark in colour, however, the range of colouration is
considerable. Larvae are long and slender with prominent mouth parts.
They prefer slow or still water where they rest at the surface waiting for
prey. As the name suggests they are carnivores and feed on small
aquatic animals and even prey on small vertebrates.
SIZE: Adult up to 35 mm, Larva up to 55 mm

Larva Adult

Crawling water beetle

Adults are poor swimmers and are subsequently found in still waterbodies
or in sheltered streams. The adults have a distinguishing large coxal plate
at the base of the hind legs. Eggs are laid on vegetation. The larvae are slender
and have backward-pointing breathing processes on each abdominal segment.
They are herbivores.
SIZE: Adult and Larva up to 6 mm

Larva Adult

Scavenger beetle
Adults have a smooth oval-shaped body and are dark and dull in colour.
Larvae are slender, have well-developed mouthparts and have gills on the
abdomen. Adults and larvae are found in slow moving or still waters.
The adults mainly feed on plant material while larvae are carnivorous and
feed on small aquatic animals.
SIZE: Adults more than 40 mm, Larva up to 8 mm

Larva Adult

Springtail Soldierfly larvae

Springtails are primitive wingless insects with a Soldierfly larvae have a flattened body,
forked appendage (furcula) on pointed at either end. The breathing
the abdomen. They are found tube has a tuft of hair located on the
on the water surface last segment. They are slow
regularly in large numbers. moving and feed upon
They feed on dead and decaying decaying organic material
plant and animals material. and algae.
SIZE: Up to 3 mm SIZE: Up to 30 mm

Stonefly larvae Water boatman

Stonefly larvae have two long tails, Water boatman are shield shaped with
tubes of thread-like gills on their long back legs used for swimming.
undersides, wing pads, antennae, Wings overlap to leave a small
and two claws on each foot. They are triangle at the back. Some are
found among stones or plants in predators while others feed on
clear, cool, well oxygenated streams. small particles of organic material.
They are found in the water column
SIZE: Up to 8 mm
sometimes in high densities.
SIZE: Up to 10 mm
Water measurer Water scorpion
Water measurers have a long slender body, with long Water scorpions have a long
legs and feet which helps them move across the water broad flattened body with a
surface. They are usually found around emergent large rear breathing tube, and
vegetation and feed clasping front legs. They live in
on small animals slow-flowing water amongst
found at the vegetation.
water surface.
SIZE: Up to 50 mm (not
SIZE: Up to 16 mm including breathing tube)

Water strider Water mite

Water striders have long 2nd and Water mites have a flat disc-like
3rd pairs of legs that are spread body and can be variously
widely. The 1st pair of legs are coloured. They swim in open
used to capture prey. They are water, among plants, or on the
commonly found on the bottom in slowly flowing water.
water surface regularly Most are predators, some are
in small groups. parasitic.
SIZE: Up to 12 mm SIZE: Up to 2.5 mm

Whirligig beetle
Adults have short antennae and their forelegs are very long whilst the mid and
hind legs are short and paddle-like. They are dark with a metallic sheen and oval-
shaped. They are found in still or slow flowing waters and are found at the water
surface. As the name suggests they swim in a whirling motion in the surface
film and dive below the surface. They are predators and feed on
those animals that fall into the water.
SIZE: Adult up to 6 mm, Larva up to 20 mm
Larva Adult

Water spider Amphipod

Water spiders are found at the water Amphipods, typically, have a distinct head and
surface and are very active predators. thorax, a 6-segmented abdomen and 7 pairs of
They can submerge taking with them walking legs. They are usually found in muddy
a supplyof air trapped in their hairs. sediments and leaf litter,
but can be free swimming.
SIZE: Up to 25 mm
SIZE: Up to 10 mm

Copepod Freshwater crayfish

Copepods are small tear-drop shaped Includes Marron, Gilgies and
crustaceans. They move in a pulse Koonacs. They have 2 large forelegs
motion through the water. They filter or claws, a well developed abdomen
feed fine particles including microalgae with a fan-like tail (Uropods).
and decomposing material, while some They feed on living or dead plant
are predators or parasitic. and animal material and are found in
burrows and amongst rocks
SIZE: Up to 2 mm
and vegetation.
SIZE: Up to 300 mm (usually <100 mm)
Freshwater prawn Isopod
Prawns are familiar small crustaceans with Isopods have a distinct head
slender legs and claws. They are found among and no body shield (carapace).
aquatic plants and loose stones. Similar to amphipods but gills
Can be very abundant in are found on the abdomen.
some areas and can They are slow crawlers
tolerate low salinities. and feed on dead and
decaying material.
SIZE: Up to 50 mm
SIZE: Up to 12 mm

Ostracod Water flea

Ostracods are a crustacean enclosed within a Water fleas are only just visible with
shell (carapace). They are the naked eye. In eutrophic conditions,
found crawling around the abundance can be great. They are
waterbed and amongst free swimming organisms and use
aquatic plants but can a large pair of antennae for
be active swimmers. locomotion.
SIZE: 0.4 – 1.5 mm SIZE: most <1 mm

Freshwater mussel Freshwater snail

Mussels are soft bodied animals enclosed in Aquatic snails are similar to land
two hard, hinged shells. A large muscular snails but are usually smaller.
foot extends out of the shell for They feed using a rasping
locomotion. They can be found tongue (radula) which grinds
on stable sandy or and scrapes off algae from
muddy bottoms. rocks and plant material.
SIZE: Up to 80 mm SIZE: Up to 65 mm

Flatworm Leech
Flatworms have a flattened unsegmented body with Leeches have suckers at each end of their body. Most
dark eye spots which can usually be seen. They feed can swim using undulating motions. They prefer stony
on dead and decaying or vegetated habitats so they can attach themselves.
animal material and Some are parasites
glide over stones and living on blood of
vegetation. animals. Others feed
on small invertebrates
SIZE: Up to 15 mm
SIZE: Up to 100mm

Segmented worm Round worm (Nematode)

Segmented worms resemble earthworms. Round worms are thin, elongate and
They are usually a red or brown colour. cylindrical in shape. They are found on
They feed on dead and decomposing the waterbed where they feed on all
plant material and are found within types of organic material. They can
the sediments. be very abundant.
SIZE: Up to 30mm SIZE: Up to 12mm