The caddisfly belong to the order Trichoptera. The caddisfly is a common form of aquatic insect. They build their home to live in and build nets to trap their prey. Caddisfly nets can be seen by looking closely at rocks in the streams. Some nets are several inches across and others are flat and only a quarter of an inch long. These aquatic insects come out at the bottom of the trap to prey on what was caught in the net. The caddisfly larvae build cases which are made from small pebbles, leaves, or twigs and are held together by silk produced by the larvae. These cases are made to help camouflage the larvae and to protect them from predators. (ODNR, 8)
Recently hatched Mayflies Picture by Mac Albin |
Mayflies belong to the order Ephemeroptera. There are 2000 species of this aquatic insect worldwide. Larvae mayflies live under water from 1 to 3 years until they grow into an adult. Some larvae are filter feeders feeding on suspended matter in the water while some are scrapers eating algae off rocks. Once the larvae grow into adult mayflies, they spend the majority of their time in the air searching for mates. They only live a few days as adults. A species of a habitat can give a valuable measure of pollution, since many species are very sensitive to lack of oxygen and to acidity. Acid rain has probably eliminated mayfly larvae from many habitats in north America. (O'Toole, 24-25) |
Dragonfly
Picture by TNC Volunteer
These insects are known as the dragons of the air. They have a magnificent power of flight, brightly colored wings, and acute vision. The life of dragonfly larvae can last from 5 to 6 years or can be as brief as 30 to 40 days. The habitat of dragonflies vary. They live in lakes, ponds, bogs, tree holes, rivers, streams, and waterfalls. Dragonflies usually feed on worms, tadpoles, crustations, fish, and other insects. The lives of dragonflies are also affected by pollution. If quantities of nutrients in water rise, an increase in algae growth will cause plants to die and oxygen levels in the water to fall which are vital for the survival of dragonflies. (O'Toole, 26-29)
Monarch on teasel
Picture by TNC Volunteer
Its scientific name is Danaus plexippus. Monarch butterflies belong to the milkweed family because they use milkweed plants as food. Monarch butterflies can not stand the cold, so like birds they fly south for the winter. They start their journey south in late summer when temperatures drop to 60 degrees fahrenheit. While flying south, they stay in trees that may house thousands of other monarch butterflies. (Stokes, 88-90)
Damselfly Nymph
Picture by Ohio Dept. Of Natural Resources
Damselflies belong the order Odonata. There are three tails on the damselfly nymph which distinguish it from the damselfly adult. The three tails are really gills which aids in their breathing under water. The damselfly nymph can be found in streams where there is a lot of vegetation. (ODNR, 8)
Damselfly Adult
Picture by Ohio Dept. Of Natural Resources
Like dragonflies, the damselflies are predators and transform into beautifully colored adults seen along streams. Male damselflies are active on sunny days and can be seen capturing other insects, chasing other males, or displaying to female damselflies. (ODNR, 8)
Hellgrammite
Picture by Ohio Dept. Of Natural Resources
The hellgrammite belongs to the order Megaloptera. This animal is a predator and will eat insects that come to close to it. They live three years as larvae before turning into adult dobsonflies. The adults have a wingspan about 4 to 5 inches long and fly at night. (ODNR, 8)