Aquatic-insect
Guides
Isonychia campestris
Isonychia campestris is a filter-feeding mayfly species described by McDunnough in 1931. The immature nymphs inhabit lotic aquatic systems where they employ specialized morphological structures to capture suspended particulate matter from the water column. This species has been studied specifically for its filter feeding mechanisms, which involve interception and diffusive deposition of particles smaller than the pore spaces between filtering structures. The species occurs in the Nearctic region of North America.
Isonychia georgiae
Isonychia georgiae is a brushlegged mayfly species in the family Isonychiidae, first described by McDunnough in 1931. It is part of the order Ephemeroptera, an ancient lineage of aquatic insects dating to the Carboniferous period. Like other Isonychia species, it is known to anglers as a "slate drake" mayfly. The species is documented from North America.
Isonychia intermedia
Isonychia intermedia is a species of mayfly in the family Isonychiidae. Like other members of its genus, it is an aquatic insect with a life cycle consisting of an extended nymphal stage in freshwater habitats followed by a brief adult stage. The species is found in North America and is part of the EPT (Ephemeroptera-Plecoptera-Trichoptera) assemblage used in water quality biomonitoring. Adults are known to anglers as 'slate drakes' due to their dark wing coloration.
Isonychia obscura
brushlegged mayfly
Isonychia obscura is a species of brushlegged mayfly in the family Isonychiidae. It is native to North America. Like other members of the genus Isonychia, it is an aquatic insect with a life cycle that includes nymphal stages in water and brief adult stages. Adults are known as "slate drakes" among anglers.
Isonychia sicca
Brushlegged mayfly
Isonychia sicca is a brushlegged mayfly species in the family Isonychiidae, distributed across Central America and North America including southeastern Canada and Mexico. As a member of the order Ephemeroptera, it exhibits the characteristic aquatic nymphal stage and brief adult lifespan typical of mayflies. A life history study has documented this species in intermittent stream habitats in north central Texas, indicating adaptation to temporary aquatic environments.
Isonychia tusculanensis
Isonychia tusculanensis is a species of brushlegged mayfly in the family Isonychiidae, described by Berner in 1948. It belongs to a genus commonly referred to as "slate drake" mayflies. Like other members of the order Ephemeroptera, it has an aquatic nymphal stage and a short-lived adult stage. The species is documented from North America.
Isoperla bilineata
Two-lined Stripetail
Isoperla bilineata, commonly known as the two-lined stripetail, is a species of green-winged stonefly in the family Perlodidae. The species is found in North America, with distribution records from Alabama, Connecticut, Colorado, Florida, and Illinois. Adults feed on pollen, while larvae are predatory and emerge from water in spring.
Isoperla davisi
Alabama stripetail
Isoperla davisi, commonly known as the Alabama stripetail, is a species of green-winged stonefly in the family Perlodidae. The species was described by James in 1974 and is native to North America, with recorded occurrences in Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, and Louisiana. Like other members of the genus Isoperla, it belongs to the subfamily Isoperlinae within the stonefly order Plecoptera.
Isoperla lata
Dark Stripetail
Isoperla lata, commonly known as the dark stripetail, is a green-winged stonefly in the family Perlodidae. It is native to North America with documented populations in Labrador, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Minnesota. The species inhabits cold-water trout streams where it functions as a predator on other aquatic insects. Research from Wisconsin indicates a slow univoltine life cycle with synchronous spring emergence and temperature-dependent egg development.
Isoperla marmorata
red stripetail
Isoperla marmorata, commonly known as the red stripetail, is a species of green-winged stonefly in the family Perlodidae. It was described by Needham and Claassen in 1925. The species is found in western North America, with documented occurrences in California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. Like other perlodid stoneflies, it belongs to the order Plecoptera, an ancient group of aquatic insects with incomplete metamorphosis.
Isoperla montana
Montane Stripetail
Isoperla montana is a stonefly species in the family Perlodidae, commonly known as the montane stripetail. It belongs to the green-winged stonefly subfamily Isoperlinae. The species was first described by Banks in 1898 and is found in North America.
Isoperla orata
Colorless Stripetail
Isoperla orata, known as the colorless stripetail, is a species of green-winged stonefly in the family Perlodidae. It was described by Frison in 1942. The species has been recorded from scattered locations in eastern and central North America including Connecticut, Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, and New Brunswick. As a member of the genus Isoperla, it belongs to a group of predatory stoneflies commonly referred to as stripetails.
Isoperla pinta
Checkered Stripetail
Isoperla pinta, commonly known as the checkered stripetail, is a species of green-winged stonefly in the family Perlodidae. It was described by Frison in 1937. The species is found in North America, with distribution records from Alberta, British Columbia, California, Colorado, and Idaho. As a member of the order Plecoptera, it is an aquatic insect with nymphal stages occurring in freshwater environments.
Isoperla signata
transverse stripetail
Isoperla signata, commonly known as the transverse stripetail, is a species of green-winged stonefly in the family Perlodidae. It has been documented in North America, with specific life cycle studies conducted in Central Wisconsin trout streams. The species belongs to the order Plecoptera, which comprises aquatic insects commonly known as stoneflies.
Isoperla similis
Black Stripetail
Isoperla similis, commonly known as the black stripetail, is a species of green-winged stonefly in the family Perlodidae. First described by Hagen in 1861, this stonefly is found in North America, with confirmed distribution records from Connecticut, Delaware, Kentucky, Maine, and Massachusetts. As a member of the order Plecoptera, it belongs to a group of aquatic insects whose nymphal stages develop in freshwater environments.
Isoperlinae
Stripetail Stoneflies, Springflies
Isoperlinae is a subfamily of stoneflies in the family Perlodidae, distributed across the Palaearctic and Nearctic regions. Members are commonly known as stripetails or springflies. The subfamily includes approximately 12 genera, with Isoperla being the most speciose and well-known. These stoneflies are aquatic insects whose nymphs inhabit running waters.
Ithytrichia
Ithytrichia is a genus of microcaddisflies (family Hydroptilidae) established by Eaton in 1873. The genus contains at least two described species, I. aquila and I. bosniaca. Members of this genus are found in Europe and the Americas, with distribution records from Colombia, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Like other Hydroptilidae, these are small caddisflies with reduced wing venation.
Johannsenomyia annulicornis
Johannsenomyia annulicornis is a species of biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae, described by Malloch in 1918. It belongs to the tribe Sphaeromiini within the subfamily Ceratopogoninae. The genus Johannsenomyia comprises small, delicate flies associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. Specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Kiefferulus dux
Kiefferulus dux is a non-biting midge species in the family Chironomidae, originally described as Chironomus dux by Johannsen in 1905. The species belongs to a genus of aquatic midges whose larvae develop in freshwater habitats. Like other chironomids, adults do not feed and have reduced mouthparts.
Kribiodorum
Kribiodorum is a genus of non-biting midges in the family Chironomidae, containing six described species distributed across Africa, North America, the Neotropics, and Asia. The genus was established by Kieffer in 1921. Species have been described from diverse freshwater habitats including streams and rivers in Borneo, Namibia, Thailand, and the Amazon basin.
Labiobaetis
Labiobaetis is a genus of small mayflies in the family Baetidae, comprising over 150 described species distributed across tropical and temperate regions worldwide. The genus exhibits exceptional diversity in Southeast Asia, New Guinea, and Indonesia, with significant representation also in Africa, India, and western North America. Species identification relies primarily on larval morphology, particularly characters of the mouthparts, antennae, and gills. Adults are generally difficult to distinguish at the generic level.
Laccophilus pictus insignis
Laccophilus pictus insignis is a subspecies of diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae, described by Sharp in 1882. It belongs to the genus Laccophilus, a group of small predatory diving beetles commonly known as water beetles. The subspecies is distributed across Middle America and North America. As with other members of its genus, it is likely an aquatic predator inhabiting freshwater environments, though specific ecological details for this subspecies remain poorly documented in available sources.
Lara avara
riffle beetle
Lara avara is a xylophagous riffle beetle in the family Elmidae. It inhabits freshwater streams in western North America, where larvae feed on submerged decaying wood. The life cycle spans 4–6 years, with extended larval development and brief adult emergence from May to August. The species contributes to aquatic wood decomposition through larval feeding and fecal production.
Larsia
Larsia is a genus of non-biting midges in the bloodworm family Chironomidae, established by Fittkau in 1962. It belongs to the subfamily Tanypodinae and tribe Pentaneurini. The genus contains at least three described species, including L. atrocincta, L. angusticornis, and L. curticalcar. Like other chironomid midges, adults do not feed and lack functional mouthparts.
Lenarchus rho
Lenarchus rho is a species of caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae, first described by Milne in 1935. It belongs to the order Trichoptera, an aquatic insect group whose larvae construct protective cases. The species is recorded from North America within the Nearctic region. As a member of Limnephilidae, it is likely associated with freshwater habitats, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Lepidostoma cinereum
Lepidostoma cinereum is a species of caddisfly in the family Lepidostomatidae. It was described by Banks in 1899 and is known from North America. The species belongs to a family characterized by distinctive larval case construction using plant material.
Lepidostoma stigma
Lepidostoma stigma is a species of caddisfly in the family Lepidostomatidae, described by Banks in 1907. It belongs to an order of aquatic insects known for their larval case-building behavior. The species is documented from North America with limited observational records.
Leptoceridae
long-horned caddisflies, silverhorns
Leptoceridae is the second largest family of caddisflies (Trichoptera), comprising over 1,850 species in approximately 68 genera. Members are distinguished by exceptionally long antennae—typically 1.5–2 times the forewing length—giving rise to their common name "long-horned caddisflies." The family exhibits remarkable diversity in larval feeding strategies, habitat preferences, and adult mating behaviors. Larvae are effective swimmers and construct portable cases, inhabiting ponds, marshes, lakes, and slower stream reaches across all faunal regions except Antarctica.
Leptocerus americanus
American Long-horned Caddisfly
Leptocerus americanus is a species of long-horned caddisfly in the family Leptoceridae, first described by Banks in 1899. As a member of the order Trichoptera, it represents one of the most diverse groups of aquatic insects. The species is distributed across North America, with observational records spanning from Vermont westward. Like other leptocerids, adults are characterized by their elongated antennae, which are often longer than the body.
Leptophlebia intermedia
Leptophlebia intermedia is a species of pronggilled mayfly in the family Leptophlebiidae. It was described by Traver in 1932. The species is found in North America.
Lestes unguiculatus
Lyre-tipped Spreadwing
Lestes unguiculatus, commonly known as the Lyre-tipped Spreadwing, is a species of damselfly in the family Lestidae. The species is native to North America and holds its wings at approximately 45 degrees to the body when at rest, a characteristic trait of the Lestidae family that distinguishes spreadwings from most other damselflies. The IUCN lists the species as Least Concern (LC) with a stable population, last reviewed in 2017.
Leucrocuta hebe
flatheaded mayfly
Leucrocuta hebe is a species of flatheaded mayfly in the family Heptageniidae. This species is found across parts of North America, including the northern and southeastern United States and northern Canada. As a member of the order Ephemeroptera, it has an aquatic larval stage and a short-lived adult stage.
Leucrocuta juno
Leucrocuta juno is a species of flatheaded mayfly in the family Heptageniidae, described by McDunnough in 1924. It belongs to the order Ephemeroptera, a group of aquatic insects known for their brief adult lifespan. The species is native to North America and is part of a genus characterized by distinctive morphological features typical of heptageniid mayflies.
Leucrocuta minerva
Leucrocuta minerva is a species of mayfly in the family Heptageniidae, described by McDunnough in 1924. It belongs to a genus of small to medium-sized flat-headed mayflies commonly known as "little yellow quills" or similar vernacular names. Species in this genus are typically associated with running water habitats. The specific epithet "minerva" refers to the Roman goddess of wisdom, though the etymological reasoning behind this choice is not documented in available sources.
Leuctra ferruginea
Eastern Needlefly
Leuctra ferruginea, commonly known as the eastern needlefly, is a species of rolled-winged stonefly in the family Leuctridae. It is found in North America, with distribution records from the eastern and southeastern United States including Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee. As a member of the order Plecoptera, it is associated with aquatic habitats during its immature stages.
Leuctra laura
Hampshire needlefly
Leuctra laura, commonly known as the Hampshire needlefly, is a species of rolled-winged stonefly in the family Leuctridae. It was described by Hitchcock in 1969. The species is known from the northeastern United States, specifically New Hampshire and Vermont. As a member of Plecoptera, it is an aquatic insect whose immature stages develop in freshwater environments.
Leuctra truncata
Truncate Needlefly
Leuctra truncata, known as the truncate needlefly, is a species of rolled-winged stonefly in the family Leuctridae. The species was described by Claassen in 1923 and is distributed in eastern North America, with records from Connecticut, Maine, Newfoundland, New York, and Pennsylvania. As a member of Plecoptera, it has aquatic immature stages and terrestrial adults.
Leuctra variabilis
variable needlefly
Leuctra variabilis, known as the variable needlefly, is a species of rolled-winged stonefly in the family Leuctridae. It was described by Hanson in 1941. The species is found in eastern North America, with records from Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, and New Jersey.
Leuctrinae
Leuctrinae is a subfamily of stoneflies (order Plecoptera) within the family Leuctridae. Members of this group are small to medium-sized stoneflies commonly known as 'rolled-winged stoneflies' due to their distinctive wing posture at rest. The subfamily was established by Klapálek in 1905 and represents one of the major lineages within the Nemouroidea superfamily. Leuctrinae species are primarily associated with cool, clean running waters and are widely distributed across the Holarctic region.
Libellula composita
Bleached Skimmer
Libellula composita, commonly known as the bleached skimmer, is a dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae. It occurs in North America, with documented records from Colorado and other regions. The species is characterized by notably pale, almost translucent wing coloration, particularly in females. Its IUCN conservation status is Least Concern (LC) as of 2017, with a stable population and no immediate threats identified.
Libellula forensis
Eight-spotted Skimmer
The eight-spotted skimmer (Libellula forensis) is a dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is a medium-sized skimmer native to western North America. Like other dragonflies in the genus Libellula, it is a predatory species with aquatic larvae and aerial adults. The species is named for the distinctive pattern of spots on its wings.
Libellula vibrans
Great Blue Skimmer
Libellula vibrans, commonly known as the Great Blue Skimmer, is a large dragonfly in the skimmer family Libellulidae. It is one of the largest skimmers, with a total body length of 50 to 63 mm. Immature individuals are brown, while mature adults develop blue coloration. The species inhabits lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams in the eastern United States, with rare occurrences in southern Ontario.
Limnellia anna
shore fly
Limnellia anna is a species of shore fly in the family Ephydridae, first described by Cresson in 1935. It belongs to a family commonly associated with aquatic and semi-aquatic habitats. The species has been recorded in Canada and the United States, though detailed ecological and behavioral information remains limited.
Limnellia balioptera
A species of shore fly in the family Ephydridae, described by Wayne Mathis in 1978. Like other members of the genus Limnellia, it is associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. The species name 'balioptera' refers to the distinctive wing markings.
Limnephilus concolor
northern caddisfly
Limnephilus concolor is a species of caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae, described by Nathan Banks in 1899. It belongs to the genus Limnephilus, a large and diverse group of case-making caddisflies. The species is recorded from North America, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented.
Limnephilus fagus
northern caddisfly
Limnephilus fagus is a species of caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae, described by Ross in 1941. It belongs to the diverse genus Limnephilus, which comprises numerous species of northern caddisflies. The species is recorded from North America.
Limnephilus flavastellus
Yellowstar Northern Caddisfly
Limnephilus flavastellus is a species of northern caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae, described by Nathan Banks in 1918. It is found in North America within the Nearctic region. The common name Yellowstar Northern Caddisfly refers to this species. As a member of Limnephilidae, it belongs to a family of caddisflies whose larvae are known for constructing portable cases from plant material and other debris.
Limnephilus hyalinus
Limnephilus hyalinus is a species of caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae, first described by Hagen in 1861. The species belongs to the large and widespread genus Limnephilus, which contains numerous species primarily associated with lentic and slow-flowing aquatic habitats. As with other members of the family, the larvae are aquatic and construct protective cases from available materials. The specific epithet "hyalinus" refers to the hyaline or glass-like quality of some body parts, likely the wings.
Limnephilus moestus
Limnephilus moestus is a species of northern caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae, described by Nathan Banks in 1908. Like other members of its genus, it is associated with lentic (still water) habitats. The species is recorded from North America with distribution records in the Nearctic region. As with many Limnephilus species, adults are typically active in late summer and fall.
Limnephilus morrisoni
northern caddisfly
Limnephilus morrisoni is a species of northern caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae. It is found in North America. The species was described by Banks in 1920. As a member of the large genus Limnephilus, it is part of one of the most diverse groups of caddisflies in the Holarctic region.