K I D · C O N N E C T I O N

Stream Insects & Crustaceans

GROUP ONE: Polluton-sensitive organisms found in good-quality water:

  1. Stonefly: Order Plecoptera. 1/2. -I 1/2", 6 legs with hooked tips, antennae, 2 hair-like tails. Smooth (no gills) on lower half of body. (See arrow.)

  2. Mayfly: Order Ephemeroptera. 1/4" -1", brown, moving, platelike or feathery gills on sides of lower body (see arrow). 6 large hooked legs, antennae, 2 or 3 long hair like tails. Tails may be webbed together.

  3. Waterpenny: Order Coleoptera. 1/4" flat saucer-shaped body with a raised bump on one side and 6 tiny legs on the other side. Immature beetle.

GROUP TWO: Somewhat pollution-tolerant organisms can be in good- or fair-quality water.

  1. Crawfish: Order Decapoda. Up to 6", 2 large claws, 8 legs, resembles a small lobster.

  2. Crane Fly: Suborder Nematocera. 1/3" - 2", milky, green, or light brown; plump caterpillar-like segmented body; 4 finger-like lobes at back end.

  3. Pooch Snail end Pond Snails: Class Gastropoda. Breathe air. Shell usually opens on left.

  4. Dragon Fly: Suborder Anisoptera. 1/2" - 2", large eyes, 6 hooked legs. Wide oval to round abdomen.

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Louisiana Environmentalist
July - August 1993.


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