Aquatic-insect
Guides
Caudatella heterocaudata
A species of spiny crawler mayfly in the family Ephemerellidae, originally described by McDunnough in 1929. The species has undergone taxonomic revision, with Caudatella circia previously treated as distinct but now recognized as a synonym. Larvae possess diagnostic morphological characters that allow separation from the related C. hystrix complex.
Celina grossula
Celina grossula is a species of predaceous diving beetle (family Dytiscidae) described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1863. It belongs to the subfamily Hydroporinae and tribe Methlini. The genus Celina comprises small to minute diving beetles that inhabit aquatic environments. Information regarding the specific biology and ecology of C. grossula remains limited in the available literature.
Cenocorixa bifida
water boatman
Cenocorixa bifida is a species of water boatman (family Corixidae) first described by Hungerford in 1926. It is found in North America and possesses the characteristic rowing hind legs typical of water boatmen, which it uses for propulsion through synchronous swimming strokes. The species has been studied for its swimming hydrodynamics and Malpighian tubule ultrastructure, revealing specialized adaptations for aquatic life.
Cenocorixa dakotensis
Cenocorixa dakotensis is a species of water boatman (family Corixidae) described by Hungerford in 1928. It belongs to a genus of aquatic true bugs found in northern regions. The species is known from North America, particularly in the Nearctic region.
Ceraclea cancellata
Ceraclea cancellata is a species of caddisfly in the family Leptoceridae, first described by Betten in 1934. As a member of the long-horned caddisfly family, this species is characterized by antennae that are notably longer than the body. The genus Ceraclea is widely distributed across North America.
Ceraclea enodis
Ceraclea enodis is a species of caddisfly in the family Leptoceridae. Members of this genus are characterized by elongated, slender bodies and long antennae. The species is part of a diverse group of aquatic insects whose larvae construct protective cases from environmental materials.
Ceraclea maculata
long-horned caddisfly
Ceraclea maculata is a species of long-horned caddisfly in the family Leptoceridae, first described by Banks in 1899. It belongs to an order of aquatic insects whose larvae construct protective cases from silk and environmental materials. The species is recorded from North America.
Ceraclea slossonae
long-horned caddisfly
Ceraclea slossonae is a species of long-horned caddisfly in the family Leptoceridae, first described by Banks in 1938. It belongs to a genus characterized by adults with exceptionally long antennae, often exceeding body length. The species is documented from North America, with limited observational records.
Cercyon connivens
Cercyon connivens is a small water scavenger beetle in the family Hydrophilidae, described by Fall in 1924. It belongs to the genus Cercyon, which comprises numerous species of tiny beetles commonly found in moist or aquatic environments. The species is documented from scattered localities across eastern North America.
Chaoborus astictopus
Clear Lake gnat
Chaoborus astictopus is a phantom midge (family Chaoboridae) commonly known as the Clear Lake gnat. The species has a univoltine life cycle with adults emerging in spring. Older larvae exhibit diel vertical migration, occupying deep profundal zones during daylight hours and moving to open waters at night, indicating negative phototaxis. The species has been studied as a target for insecticide control and is known to host microsporidian and fungal pathogens.
Chaoborus flavicans
phantom midge
Chaoborus flavicans is a phantom midge (Diptera: Chaoboridae) whose larval stages are important aquatic predators in lake ecosystems. Recent taxonomic revision indicates it represents a complex of at least four species, with C. flavicans sensu stricto primarily inhabiting lakes across the Holarctic region. Larvae are notable for their diel vertical migration behavior, which changes ontogenetically and serves as a predator avoidance mechanism against fish predation.
Chaoborus maculipes
phantom midge
Chaoborus maculipes is a species of phantom midge in the family Chaoboridae, described by Stone in 1965. Phantom midges are small, delicate flies whose larvae are aquatic predators known for their transparent bodies. The species name "maculipes" refers to spotted legs. Like other Chaoborus species, adults are typically non-feeding and short-lived, with most of the life cycle spent in larval form in freshwater habitats.
Chasmatonotus bicolor
Chasmatonotus bicolor is a species of non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae, first described by Rempel in 1937. The genus Chasmatonotus belongs to the subfamily Orthocladiinae, one of the most diverse subfamilies within Chironomidae. Larvae of this genus are typically found in aquatic environments. The specific epithet "bicolor" refers to a two-colored appearance, though detailed descriptions of this coloration pattern are not well documented in available sources.
Chauliodes
Spring and Summer Fishflies
Chauliodes is a genus of fishflies in the family Corydalidae, commonly known as spring and summer fishflies. The genus contains approximately five described species distributed in North America, including the well-known spring fishfly (C. rastricornis) and summer fishfly (C. pectinicornis). Adults are nocturnal and frequently attracted to lights. The genus is distinguished from other fishflies by specific antennal and wing characteristics.
Chauliodes pectinicornis
Summer Fishfly
Chauliodes pectinicornis, commonly known as the Summer Fishfly, is a species of fishfly in the family Corydalidae native to eastern North America. First described by Carl Linnaeus in 1763, this species has a notably wide distribution across eastern Canada and the United States. A distinctive ecological feature is its commensal relationship with Plecopteracoluthus downesi larvae, which complete their entire life cycle including pupation on the fishfly's mesothorax.
Cheumatopsyche campyla
Cheumatopsyche campyla is a species of net-spinning caddisfly in the family Hydropsychidae, described by Ross in 1938. As a member of this family, it constructs fixed retreats and capture nets to filter food from flowing water. The species is known to occur in North America.
Cheumatopsyche ela
Cheumatopsyche ela is a species of net-spinning caddisfly in the family Hydropsychidae, first described by Denning in 1942. The species occurs in North America and is part of a genus known for constructing silk capture nets in flowing water habitats. Larvae exhibit density-dependent dispersion patterns in laboratory settings, with aggressive behavior and cannibalism observed at high population densities. As with other hydropsychids, adults are short-lived and primarily focused on reproduction.
Chilostigmodes areolatus
Chilostigmodes areolatus is a species of caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae, first described by Walker in 1852. It belongs to the tribe Chilostigmini, a group of limnephilid caddisflies primarily associated with lentic (still-water) habitats. The genus Chilostigmodes is small and poorly studied, with limited published information on the biology of its constituent species.
Chimarra obscura
fingernet caddisfly
Chimarra obscura is a species of fingernet caddisfly in the family Philopotamidae, found in North America. The genus Chimarra is characterized by blackish body and wings. This species has been documented from Missouri, specifically from Sam A. Baker State Park in the Ozark Highlands, where it was recorded alongside C. feria and an unidentified Chimarra species. The species was originally described by Walker in 1852.
Chimarra texana
Texas fingernet caddisfly
Chimarra texana is a species of fingernet caddisfly in the family Philopotamidae, first described by Nathan Banks in 1920. As a member of the genus Chimarra, it possesses the characteristic blackish body and wings typical of this group. The species is distributed in North America and belongs to an ancient lineage of aquatic insects closely related to moths and butterflies. Adults are recognized by their distinct maxillary and labial palps, lack of a coiled proboscis, and hairy (rather than scaled) wings.
Chironomus melanescens
Chironomus melanescens is a species of non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae, described by Keyl in 1961. Like other members of the genus Chironomus, it is a holometabolous insect with aquatic larval stages. The species is part of one of the most well-studied groups of non-biting midges, though specific biological details for this particular species remain limited in available sources.
Chironomus plumosus
buzzer midge
Chironomus plumosus, commonly known as the buzzer midge, is a nonbiting midge species distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Adults are known for forming large mating swarms during spring and summer. The species is part of a sibling-species complex that includes C. muratensis and C. nudiventris, which cannot be morphologically distinguished from C. plumosus in adult form. The larvae, often called bloodworms due to their red coloration, are important food sources for fish and other aquatic predators.
Chironomus staegeri
Chironomus staegeri is a non-biting midge (Diptera: Chironomidae) characterized by extensive chromosomal inversion polymorphism. Populations exhibit significant genetic differentiation between deep and shallow water habitats in North America, with inversion patterns suggesting possible incipient speciation. The species has been used as a standard test organism in aquatic ecotoxicology studies, particularly for heavy metal toxicity research.
Chironomus tuberculatus
Chironomus tuberculatus is a species of non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae. It was described by Townes in 1945. Like other members of the genus Chironomus, it is a small, aquatic fly with a life cycle involving egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. The species is part of one of the most well-studied groups of non-biting midges, a genus comprising over 200 species.
Chloroperlidae
Green Stoneflies, Green Sallies, Yellow Sallies, Yellow Sallflies
Chloroperlidae is a family of stoneflies comprising over 200 species across 22 genera, commonly known as green stoneflies for their characteristic yellowish-green to green coloration. Adults range from 6–20 mm in body length and are distinguished by relatively short cerci, slender labial palps, and wings pads that remain parallel to the body midline. The family exhibits hemimetabolous development with egg, nymph, and adult stages but no pupal stage. Nymphs are aquatic inhabitants of cold, clean streams and rivers across five continents, where their sensitivity to pollutants makes them important bioindicators of water quality. Adults are primarily terrestrial, dwelling in riparian vegetation near water bodies with a brief lifespan focused on reproduction.
Chloroperlinae
Chloroperlinae is a subfamily of stoneflies within the family Chloroperlidae, established by Okamoto in 1912. Members are commonly known as green stoneflies due to their characteristic coloration. The subfamily occurs across multiple continents in cold freshwater habitats. Adults emerge from aquatic environments to inhabit riparian zones.
Cinygma lyriforme
Cinygma lyriforme is a species of flatheaded mayfly in the family Heptageniidae, originally described as Ecdyonurus lyriformis by James Halliday McDunnough in 1924. The species name "lyriforme" refers to the lyre-shaped pattern characteristic of this taxon. Like other members of Heptageniidae, it possesses dorsoventrally flattened nymphs adapted for clinging to substrates in flowing water. The genus Cinygma is a small Nearctic genus with limited species diversity.
Cinygmula reticulata
Cinygmula reticulata is a species of mayfly in the family Heptageniidae, first described by McDunnough in 1934. It is a member of the Nearctic fauna, occurring in North America. Like other members of the genus Cinygmula, it is associated with running water habitats where the aquatic nymphs develop. The species is represented by limited observation records, with only four observations documented on iNaturalist.
Cinygmula subaequalis
flatheaded mayfly
Cinygmula subaequalis is a flatheaded mayfly species in the family Heptageniidae. It is distributed across northern North America, including Alaska, northern Canada, and the eastern United States. The species belongs to a genus characterized by distinctive head morphology. Limited observational data suggests it is rarely encountered.
Cirrula hians
Alkali Fly
Cirrula hians, commonly known as the alkali fly, is a brine fly in the family Ephydridae. This species is notable for its association with alkaline and saline aquatic habitats. The species was originally described by Thomas Say in 1830 under the name Ephydra hians. It has been documented in 474 iNaturalist observations, indicating moderate public awareness and detectability. The species serves as an important food source for migratory birds and has been historically harvested by Indigenous peoples of the Mono Lake region.
Claassenia sabulosa
Shortwing Stonefly, short-wing stone
Claassenia sabulosa, commonly known as the shortwing stonefly, is a species of common stonefly in the family Perlidae. It is found in North America, with documented populations in the western United States including Colorado, as well as Canada. The species has been studied for its life cycle dynamics in Colorado streams and its adult mate-finding behaviors.
Climacia areolaris
spongillafly
Climacia areolaris is a small spongillafly (Sisyridae) native to North America. Adults measure slightly over 3 mm from head to wingtips. The species is distinguished from congeners by wing pattern. It is active from March through December, with adults attracted to lights and feeding on pollen.
Clistoronia magnifica
northern caddisfly
Clistoronia magnifica is a species of caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae, commonly referred to as a northern caddisfly. It is known from North America and has been the subject of laboratory toxicity studies examining the effects of heavy metals on its aquatic life cycle. The species completes a full life cycle from egg through larval, pupal, and adult stages in freshwater environments.
Clostoeca
Clostoeca is a genus of northern caddisflies in the family Limnephilidae, established by Banks in 1943. The genus is monotypic, containing only one described species: Clostoeca disjuncta. As a member of the Limnephilidae family, it belongs to a group of caddisflies commonly known as northern caddisflies, which are predominantly found in cool, temperate regions.
Coelotanypus atus
Coelotanypus atus is a species of non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae, described by Roback in 1971. It belongs to the subfamily Tanypodinae, a group of predatory midges commonly found in aquatic habitats. The genus Coelotanypus contains relatively few described species and is distinguished by specific morphological features of the adult and larval stages.
Coelotanypus scapularis
Coelotanypus scapularis is a species of non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae, first described by Loew in 1866. The species belongs to the subfamily Tanypodinae, a group of predatory midges whose larvae are aquatic. Larvae have been documented feeding on diatoms, crustaceans, oligochaetes, and other insects. The species is established in North America with 277 observations recorded on iNaturalist.
Coelotanypus tricolor
Coelotanypus tricolor is a species of non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae, subfamily Tanypodinae. It belongs to the tribe Coelotanypodini and was first described by Loew in 1861. As a member of the Tanypodinae, it is classified among the predatory midges rather than the filter-feeding Chironominae. The species epithet 'tricolor' suggests a three-colored appearance, though specific color pattern details are not well documented in available sources.
Copelatus chevrolati
Chevrolat's Dytiscid
Copelatus chevrolati is a small diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae, subfamily Copelatinae. Adults measure 5.3–6.7 mm in length and 2.6–3.1 mm in width, with coloration ranging from pale to dark reddish brown. The species is distinguished from other North American Copelatus by having 8 or 9 discal striae on the elytra. Two subspecies are recognized: the eastern C. c. chevrolati and the western C. c. renovatus. The species has been recorded across the southern and central United States and was recently documented from Cuba, representing a significant range extension.
Copelatus distinctus
Copelatus distinctus is a species of diving beetle described by Aubé in 1838. It belongs to the genus Copelatus within the subfamily Copelatinae of the family Dytiscidae. The species is recorded from Middle America based on available distribution data. Like other members of Copelatus, it is an aquatic predator inhabiting freshwater environments.
Coquillettidia
A genus of mosquitoes erected by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1905, distinguished primarily by unique features of male genitalia. The genus name honors entomologist Daniel William Coquillett. It comprises 57 species in three subgenera: Coquillettidia (primarily Afrotropical with some Asian, Australasian, Palearctic, and one North American species), Austromansonia (restricted to New Zealand), and Rhynchotaenia (confined to the Neotropical Region). Larvae are unique among mosquitoes in attaching to submerged plant roots and stems throughout development using modified respiratory structures.
Cordulegaster erronea
tiger spiketail
Cordulegaster erronea, the tiger spiketail, is a large, uncommon dragonfly in the family Cordulegastridae. It is a habitat specialist requiring small, pristine, spring-fed forest streams with muck bottoms and overhanging vegetation. The species has a long larval period estimated at 3-4 years and a brief adult flight period of approximately 2-3 weeks in early summer. Radio-telemetry studies in New Jersey have revealed limited adult movement, with individuals typically remaining within 100-200 meters of natal streams and showing strong site fidelity.
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Dobsonflies and Fishflies
Corydalidae is a family of large megalopteran insects commonly known as dobsonflies and fishflies. Adults typically exceed 25 mm in body length and possess long filamentous antennae—feathered in male fishflies—and four large, translucent, smoky-grey wings with the anterior pair slightly longer than the posterior. The family is divided into two subfamilies: Corydalinae (dobsonflies), whose males bear distinctive elongated mandibles used in combat, and Chauliodinae (fishflies), whose males have normal mandibles. Aquatic larvae, called hellgrammites, are predatory and possess strong sharp mandibles and abdominal branchial filaments for respiration. They develop over one to three years before leaving water to pupate in terrestrial chambers dug under stones or logs.
Corydalus
dobsonflies, hellgrammites (larvae), go-devil, grampus
Corydalus is a genus of large flying insects in the family Corydalidae, commonly known as dobsonflies. The genus contains approximately 35 species endemic to North, Central, and South America. Adults are among the largest winged insects in their range, with wing lengths reaching up to 85 millimetres. The genus exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism: males possess greatly elongated, sickle-shaped mandibles used in male-male combat and to grasp females during mating, while females have smaller but still formidable jaws capable of delivering a painful bite. The aquatic larvae, known as hellgrammites, are predatory and serve as important indicators of stream health.
Corydalus cornutus
Eastern Dobsonfly, Hellgrammite (larval form), Go-devil, Grampus
Corydalus cornutus, the eastern dobsonfly, is among the largest insects in eastern North America, with adults reaching 140 mm in length and wingspans up to 130 mm. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism: males possess elongated, sickle-shaped mandibles up to 40 mm long used in combat with rivals, while females have shorter, powerful mandibles capable of delivering a painful bite. The aquatic larval stage, known as hellgrammites, are apex invertebrate predators in fast-flowing streams, feeding on other aquatic insects for one to three years before emerging to pupate in terrestrial soil chambers. Adults are short-lived, non-predatory, and primarily nocturnal, attracted to lights near waterways.
Corydalus luteus
hellgrammite, dobsonfly
Corydalus luteus is a species of dobsonfly in the family Corydalidae, found across the Americas from the United States through Central America to South America. Adults are large, spectacular insects with prominent mandibles—greatly elongated in males, shorter but powerful in females. The larvae, known as hellgrammites, are aquatic predators inhabiting streams and rivers. The species is attracted to lights at night and is occasionally encountered by entomologists during field surveys.
Corydalus texanus
Western Dobsonfly
Corydalus texanus is a large megaloopteran insect commonly known as the Western Dobsonfly. Adults are among the largest winged insects in their range, with males distinguished by elongated sickle-shaped mandibles used in combat with rivals. Females possess shorter but powerful jaws capable of delivering a painful bite. The aquatic larval stage, known as hellgrammites, are predaceous and serve as important indicators of stream health. Adults are attracted to lights and may be observed near water bodies at night.
Corynoneura lobata
Corynoneura lobata is a species of non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae, subfamily Orthocladiinae. First described by Edwards in 1924, this species belongs to a genus of small chironomids characterized by reduced wing venation and distinctive genitalic structures. The genus Corynoneura is taxonomically complex, with numerous species described from multiple biogeographic regions. C. lobata has documented distribution records in northern Europe.
Cricotopus bicinctus
Cricotopus bicinctus is a species of non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae, first described by Meigen in 1818. The species is distributed across the Palearctic region, with documented records from northern Europe including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, as well as Madeira Island and Hawaii. It belongs to the genus Cricotopus, a diverse group of chironomid midges commonly found in aquatic and semi-aquatic environments. The species is one of many in a genus that includes both aquatic larvae and terrestrial adults.
Cricotopus lebetis
Hydrilla Tip Mining Midge
Cricotopus lebetis is a chironomid midge native to Africa whose larvae are specialized stem miners of the invasive aquatic weed Hydrilla verticillata. It is being investigated as a classical biological control agent for hydrilla management in Florida and other regions where the plant has become established. The species completes its entire larval development within hydrilla shoot tips, where mining activity disrupts apical meristem function and suppresses vertical growth.
Cricotopus sylvestris
Cricotopus sylvestris is a non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae with a broad distribution spanning Asia, Europe, and North America. In the United Kingdom, it is considered native with a sporadic range. Laboratory studies indicate that larval development is strongly temperature-dependent, with completion in 10 days at 22–29°C versus 28 days at 15°C. The species exhibits one of the highest production-to-biomass (P/B) ratios reported for chironomids, suggesting rapid turnover and high ecological productivity.