Aquatic Insects and a Spider
Mayfly
Mayflies are insects that have an aquatic immature or naiad (nymph) stage. The naiad develops in freshwater for usually one year and then the adults emerge. Most naiads feed on algae or diatoms, which is a type of protist. They are fed upon by dragonfly and damselfly nymphs, as well as small fish.
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The adults may live from thirty minutes to a day. They have no mouth parts and only survive long enough to breed. When the adults emerge from the water to breed, they emerge in great numbers. Dragonflies, damselflies, birds, and small mammals feed on these Mayflies.
Whirligig Beetle
The Whirligig gets its name from its habit of spinning around on the surface of lakes, streams, and ponds. It often swims slowly around in circles, but when disturbed, it frantically spins, making it very tough for a predator to catch it. Whirligigs feed on insects they catch on the water's surface, and any dead animals or plant matter that happens to float by. Birds, frogs, and turtles feed on Whirligig beetles.
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Crane Fly
The Crane Fly adult looks like a giant mosquito, but in actual fact is quite harmless as it either feeds on nectar or not at all. Many species of Crane Fly have immature stages that live in soil, but some of them live in water. The aquatic ones generally feed on debris and fungi they find in the sediment of the pond or lake bottom. They are eaten by other invertebrates and small fish.
Water Strider
The Water Strider goes by many names, such as Water Skater, Pond Skater, and Water Skeeter. Its main claim to fame is its ability to skim across the surface of the water. It has two small wings, which helps it find water in dry times. The adult is a hunter, always on the look out for small insects that have have fallen onto the water surface. The Water Strider in the picture on the left is busy eating something it has caught.
Fishing Spider
The Fishing Spider is a large spider that hunts by clinging to rocks or wharves with its hind legs and then waiting for Mayflies, Water Striders, tadpoles, small fish and other similar organisms to come by. The spider senses vibrations in the water as prey approaches and then it strikes quickly. Some Spider Wasps prey on Fishing Spiders. Birds, snakes, and dragonflies are also some of the predators of the Fishing Spider.