How does the macroinvertebrate identification key work?
The key starts with the choice between “jointed legs” and “no jointed legs.” After you make that choice you move to the next pair of choices in the key. Follow the page reference (e.g. “Go to Slide 3”) to jump to the next part of key. Continue until you arrive at an identification.
What kind of animal is a macroinvertebrate?
Click image to view a photo gallery of aquatic macroinvertebrates. Macroinvertebrates are animals without a backbone that can be seen with the naked eye. These bottom-dwelling animals include crustaceans and worms but most are aquatic insects.
What kind of tablet do you use to draw on?
Graphics tablets. The traditional drawing tablet features a flat, featureless surface that you draw on with a stylus, with the image displayed on a computer monitor. Graphics tablets remain the most affordable drawing tablet category.
What are the advantages of studying benthic macroinvertebrates?
In addition to being sensitive to changes in the stream’s overall ecological integrity, benthic macroinvertebrates offer other advantages to scientists looking for indications of stream pollution. Such advantages are: • Benthic macroinvertebrates are relatively easy to sample.
How to tell if a macroinvertebrate is a true fly?
Identification Guide to Freshwater Macroinvertebrates Page 2 Worm-like with distinct head or fleshy protrusion DIPTERA – true flies Head small, often hidden from view Distinct head One end wider than the other Both ends similar width TIPULIDAE crane flies SIMULIIDAE black flies
Why are macroinvertebrates important to the food web?
Macroinvertebrates are an important link in the food web between the producers (leaves, algae) and higher consumers such as fish. Visit the Stroud Center’s Leaf Pack Network® website to learn about a simple experiment that uses tree leaves and aquatic insects to determine the health of your local stream.