Freshwater Crustaceans
key orders: Caddisflies, Dragon/Damselflies, Mayflies, Stoneflies
Freshwater shrimp
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Freshwater Crustaceans |
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World species: 2000 |
| Species in N.A. north of Mexico: 1100 | ||
| Source of name: live in or on water | ||
| Nickname: "water bugs" | ||
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key orders: Caddisflies, Dragon/Damselflies, Mayflies, Stoneflies |
Freshwater shrimp |
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Although not a part of aquatic entomology, freshwater crustaceans are an integral part of "insectology". They are an important "cog" in the food chain for a wide variety of fishes, including those of interest to fly fishers.
Three of the most important members of this group to fly fishers are sowbugs, freshwater shrimp ("scuds") and crayfish.
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Sowbugs |
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Some 100 species occur throughout North America, inhabiting a variety of shallow environments. Immature & adult look the same. Most fly fishing associated with slow-moving water containing abundant plant growth. |
| adult = 5-20 mm | ||
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Scuds |
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These often colorful shrimp number some 90 species in N.A., common in streams, lakes and ponds. Predominantly shallow water inhabitants, sometimes in huge numbers. |
| adult = 5-20 mm | ||
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Crayfish |
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Crayfish are found in a wide variety of shallow water habitats as key members in benthic communities. They usually remain hidden during the day. Their movement in a backwards manner is atypical. They have long been used as live bait for a variety of fish. |
| adult = 10-150 mm |
