Terrestrials

Terrestrials	Adult cricket	World species: 2000
		Species in N.A. north of Mexico: 1100
		Source of name: live in or on water
		Nickname: "terrestrials"

Terrestrials are another group of insects that are not really under the "aquatic entomology" umbrella, but which are very important to fish and hence to flyfishers. We might call terrestrials "semi-aquatic" in that they inhabit the marginal areas associated with water resources, i.e., shoreline vegetation, floating or emergent vegetation, sand or mud flats, tide pools, etc. Some of these insects may also be generally considered "shore-dwelling".

Flyfishers find many members of this group becoming very important in their fly fishing. They are a source of food to fish primarily as adults, often large in size, that are easy surface-born prey for fish (and flyfishers) to see. Covered here are grasshoppers, crickets, ants and leafhoppers.

Ants (order Hymenoptera)		The identification of ants with their characteristically well-defined body segments and strong constriction, is easily made by fish & fishermen. When present, ants offer a surface feeding "delicacy" that is often very selective.
	adult = 3-8 mm
Crickets (order Orthoptera)		Crickets (as well as the similar locusts) are jumping insects with highly developed legs. Several species occur in grassy areas adjacent to water. They are often most active during daylight in summer.
	adult = 5-20 mm
Grasshoppers (family Acrididae)		Grasshoppers have been used as bait for centuries. Large, active and a "mouthful" for fish, they inhabit shorelines of streams and lakes, often getting blown or disturbed into jumping into the water.
	adult = 10-150 mm
Leafhoppers (order Himiptera)		Leafhoppers are commonly found on vegetation above the "high water line", so are not generally a primary insect in the fish' (or flyfishers') radar. But, they can be a preferred food when conditions result in surface concentrations.
	adult = 10-50 mm