Aquatic Invertebrates
This group of animals is very important to our monitoring activities. Many terrestrial insects have an aquatic larval stage. The species composition of the invertebrates we find in the stream tells us a lot about the health of the water. We divide several indicator species into three groups:
POLLUTION SENSITIVE - These animals need unpolluted, well-oxygenated water to survive. Some of the indicator species in this group are Mayflies, Stoneflies, Caddisflies, and Hellgrammites.
SOMEWHAT POLLUTION TOLERANT - The animals in this group can withstand some levels of pollution. Typical indicator species in this group are Dragonflies, Damselflies, Freshwater Mussels, & Crayfish.
POLLUTION TOLERANT - Organisms in this group can survive in impaired waterways, but can also live in clean water. They can be found "everywhere the water is wet." Some examples of this group are Pond Snails, Aquatic Worms, Ramshorn Snails, & Leeches.
Learn more about aquatic invertebrates here
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