Search Results - Field Guide

Showing 1 - 10 of 13 results
Photo of a spotted fishing spider perched on the water's surface amid floating duckweed plants
Aquatic Spiders
Dolomedes spp., Tetragnatha spp., and others
A variety of spiders are adapted for live on and around water. Many of these are called fishing spiders. Several have the ability to run across the water’s surface. Some build webs, others do not.
Photo of a single water strider
Water Striders
Aquarius remigis; also species in the genus Gerris
Water striders are eye-catching. Water-repellant hairs on the hind and middle legs allow these nimble insects to skate on the surface of the water.
Photo of a giant water bug
Giant Water Bugs
Species in the genera Abedus, Belostoma, and Lethocerus
Giant water bugs are huge aquatic insects that frequently fly around electric lights at night. They are infamous for the painful bite they can deliver, but fish, birds — and some people — find them tasty!
Photo of hellgrammite
Hellgrammite
Corydalus cornutus
Hellgrammites are the aquatic larval form of eastern dobsonflies. They are fiercely predaceous and look a little like centipedes. Anglers often use them as bait.
Photo of a predaceous diving beetle
Predaceous Diving Beetles (Water Tigers)
Species in the beetle family Dytiscidae
Like many aquatic insects, these large oval beetles prey voraciously on other aquatic organisms. Excellent swimmers, they fly well, too, and are often attracted to lights.
Photo of a stonefly naiad clinging to a rock underwater
Stonefly Larvae
There are hundreds of species in North America
Stonefly larvae are aquatic and somewhat resemble the larvae of mayflies and damselflies. Their presence usually indicates good water quality.
Water boatman viewed from above
Water Boatmen
About 125 species in North America in the family Corixidae
Water boatmen are one of the few aquatic true bugs that are not predatory and do not bite people. Instead, they suck juices from algae and detritus. Only a few types eat other small aquatic creatures.
Photo of a collared water scavenger beetle showing back.
Water Scavenger Beetles
Beetles in the family Hydrophilidae
Water scavenger beetles are a mostly aquatic family. They are similar to predaceous diving beetles, but unlike them many have a distinctive spine running down the center of their bellies.
Photo of a water scorpion, genus Ranatra, captured in a jar of pond water.
Water Scorpions
Ranatra spp. and Nepa apiculata
Water scorpions remain still, looking like a random bit of plant material. Then they suddenly grab their prey and deliver disabling fluids with a quick jab of their knifelike beak.
Photo of a whirligig beetle viewed from above
Whirligig Beetles
Species in the beetle family Gyrinidae
Groups of whirligig beetles swim on the water surface in quick, random patterns, searching for food. They have two pairs of eyes — one pair above water, one pair below — to help them quickly and accurately capture their prey.