Grand Mesa Aquatic Insects

Dragonfly

Odonata 

Nymphs can be identified by the following characteristics :

• Book gills on the abdomen.
• No Tail.
• Large eyes.
• Small and wide shape.
• Large scoop like lip (called a labium).

Adults can be indentified by the following characteristics:

• Wings extended while resting.
• Long slender abdomen.
• Large eyes.

Insect Index

Damselfly

Odonata 

Nymphs can be identified by the following characteristics:

• 3 leaf-shaped gills extending from the end of the abdomen.
• Large scoop-like lip (called labium).
• Dull color.
• Slender body shape.

Adults can be identified by the following characteristics:

• Long slender body.
• 2 pairs of transparent wings.
• Wings are extended during rest.

Insect Index

Mayfly

Ephemeroptera 

Nymphs can be identified by the following characteristics :

• 2-3 filaments extending out of the abdomen.
• Leaf-like gills along the abdomen that move rapidly .
• 1 claw at the end of each leg.

Adults can be indentified by the following characteristics:

• 2-3 filaments extending out of the abdomen.
• A slender, long body.
• 2 sets of nearly transparent wings that rest in the upright position.

Insect Index| Mesa Field Trip

Caddisfly

Trichoptera 

Nymphs can be identified by the following characteristics :

• Soft bodied.
• Usually live in a case, made from surroundings (bottom debris).
• Do not have filaments.
• 2 legs extending from 3 distinct segments of the thorax.
• Anal hooks
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

 Adults can be indentified by the following characteristics:

• Moth-like appearance.
• Long antennae.

 Insect Index| Mesa Field Trip

Stonefly

Plecoptera 

Nymphs can be identified by the following characteristics :

• Gills are located behind each leg.
• Can reach up to 2 in. in length.
• 2 filaments that extend from the end of the abdomen.
• 2 long antenna.

Adults can be indentified by the following characteristics:

• 2 long antenna.
• 6 legs.
• 2 long wings that fold over abdomen while resting.
• 2 filaments that extend from the end of the abdomen.

 Insect Index| Mesa Field Trip

Mosquito

Dipteras 

Nymphs can be identified by the following characteristics :

• Gills located at the end of the abdomen.
• Head and thorax larger than the rest of the body.
• Filter feed through brushes surrounding mouth.

Adults can be indentified by the following characteristics:

• Females are bloodsuckers.
• 1st pair of transparent wings are used for flight.
• 2nd pair of wings are smaller and used for balance.
• Piercing mouthparts.

 Insect Index| Mesa Field Trip

Cranefly

Dipteras 

Nymphs can be identified by the following characteristics :

• Head is retracted into the body.
• Breathe through disk at the end of the tail. Disk contains spiracles.
• Long, plump body.

Adults can be indentified by the following characteristics:

• 1 pair of transparent wings.
• 6 long legs.
• Long, slender body.

 Insect Index| Mesa Field Trip

Whirligig Beetle

Coloeoptera 

Nymphs can be identified by the following characteristics :

• Chewing mouthparts.
• 6 legs in larva stage.
• Segmented body with filaments.
• Four small hooks extend from end of abdomen.

Adults can be indentified by the following characteristics:

• Chewing mouthparts.
• 6 legs.
• Secrete strong odor when caught.
• Divided eye, for seeing above and below water at the same time.

 Insect Index| Mesa Field Trip 

Water Boatmen

Hemiptera 

Adults can be indentified by the following characteristics:

• Slender long body shape.
• Flattened hind legs.
• A membrane that has air enclosed to keep the boatmen afloat, coats body.

 Insect Index 

Backswimmer

Hemiptera 

Adults can be indentified by the following characteristics:

• Keeled or boat-shaped back.
• Hind legs are longer than front and middle section legs.
• Paddle-like legs.
• Are able to hold a packet of air.
• Bite can be very painful.

 Insect Index| Mesa Field Trip 

Black Fly, Simuliidae

Diptera 

Nymphs can be identified by the following characteristics :

• Food gathering brushes on head.
• Attach to rocks by abdomen.

Adults can be indentified by the following characteristics:

• 2 almost transparent wings.
• Females are bloodsuckers.
• 6 legs.

 Insect Index| Mesa Field Trip 

Creeping Water Bug

Hemiptera 

Adults can be indentified by the following characteristics:

• Have very strong legs.
• Hold air bubble beneath wings.
• 6 legs.
• Piercing mouthparts (like a beak).
• Predacious.

Insect Index

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