Aquatic-insects
Guides
Ablabesmyia
Banded-leg Tanypods
Ablabesmyia is a genus of non-biting midges in the bloodworm family Chironomidae, comprising approximately 85 species distributed across multiple continents. Larvae are aquatic and frequently associated with aquatic vegetation, macrophytes, or detrital substrates in freshwater habitats. The genus is divided into four subgenera, with species documented from Europe, Asia, the Americas, and other regions. Adults are typically collected using light traps.
Acanthametropodidae
Acanthametropodidae is a family of sand-dwelling mayflies (Ephemeroptera) in the suborder Pisciforma. The family contains at least two genera—Acanthametropus and Analetris—with four described species. These insects are specialized for life in sandy substrates, a relatively uncommon habitat among mayflies.
Acentrella
small minnow mayflies
Acentrella is a genus of small minnow mayflies in the family Baetidae. The genus contains at least 26 species distributed across Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa. Nymphs of at least some species inhabit cool, clean, swift rocky streams. Adult stages of several species remain undescribed due to the difficulty of rearing nymphs to maturity.
Acroneuria
common stoneflies
Acroneuria is a genus of large-bodied stoneflies in the family Perlidae, containing more than 30 described species distributed across North America and Asia. Nymphs are predatory and inhabit streams and rivers, where they serve as important bioindicators of water quality. Adults are known for distinctive emergence behaviors, including arboreal emergence in some species. Several species in the genus are experiencing range contractions and population declines due to habitat degradation and climate change.
Agabini
Agabini is a tribe of predaceous diving beetles in the family Dytiscidae, comprising approximately 500 species across six genera: Agabus, Ilybius, Platambus, Agabinus, Hydronebrius, and Ilybiosoma. Members are primarily aquatic predators found in lentic (standing water) and lotic (flowing water) habitats across the Holarctic region and beyond. The tribe exhibits diverse life cycle strategies, with variation in overwintering stages and habitat use between aquatic and terrestrial environments.
Agathon
Agathon is a genus of net-winged midges in the family Blephariceridae, established by Röder in 1890. These aquatic Diptera are characterized by their distinctive wing venation and are typically found in fast-flowing mountain streams. The genus has a broad distribution across the Holarctic and Oriental regions.
Allotrichoma
A genus of shore flies (Diptera: Ephydridae) established by Becker in 1896. Species in this genus are recorded from Russia, including Volgograd Oblast, Saratov Oblast, and the Republic of Buryatia. The genus is part of the diverse ephydrid fauna associated with aquatic and semi-aquatic habitats.
Annulipalpia
fixed-retreat makers
Annulipalpia is a suborder of Trichoptera (caddisflies) distinguished by the flexible, multi-ringed terminal segment of the adult maxillary palps. Larvae are aquatic and construct fixed retreats—stationary structures to which they remain attached—rather than portable cases. Some families build simple silken tubes anchored to the substrate, while others spin silken nets for filter feeding. The suborder includes families such as Psychomyiidae, Ecnomidae, Xiphocentronidae, Polycentropodidae, and Dipseudopsidae.
Apatania
Apatania is a genus of caddisflies in the family Apataniidae comprising at least 90 described species. The genus has a Holarctic distribution, with species recorded across Europe, Asia, and North America. Several species have been studied in detail for their larval morphology, life cycles, and behavior. Some species, including A. muliebris, are known to reproduce parthenogenetically.
Apataniidae
Early Smoky Wing Sedges
Apataniidae is a family of caddisflies (Trichoptera) commonly known as early smoky wing sedges. The family contains approximately 18 genera and at least 180 described species. Members are primarily Holarctic in distribution, with notable diversity in Europe, Asia, and North America. Larvae are aquatic and construct portable cases from mineral particles.
Arthropleidae
flatheaded mayflies
Arthropleidae is a family of mayflies in the order Ephemeroptera, characterized by flattened heads. The family contains at least two genera: the extant Arthroplea and the extinct Electrogenia. Members are aquatic insects with life cycles involving aquatic nymphal stages and short-lived winged adults.
Athericidae
water snipe flies, ibis flies
Athericidae is a small family of flies in the infraorder Tabanomorpha, historically classified within Rhagionidae until separated by Stuckenberg in 1973. The family contains approximately 123 described species distributed worldwide across two subfamilies: Dasyommatinae (monotypic) and Athericinae. Adults are commonly known as water snipe flies or ibis flies. Larvae are strictly aquatic predators in fast-flowing montane streams and torrents, while adults are primarily nectar-feeders with some species exhibiting hematophagy.
Atherix
ibis flies
Atherix is a genus of 'ibis flies' in the family Athericidae, a small family closely related to Rhagionidae (snipe flies). Species occur across most of Europe and the Nearctic realm. Adults are medium-sized flies; larvae are aquatic predators. Females of some species exhibit distinctive clustering behavior, forming dense aggregations on bridge undersides where eggs are deposited.
Atrichomelina
snail-killing flies
Atrichomelina is a genus of marsh flies (family Sciomyzidae) whose larvae are predators of freshwater snails. The genus was established by Cresson in 1920 and contains at least one described species, Atrichomelina pubera. Like other sciomyzids, members of this genus have aquatic or semi-aquatic immature stages that develop in association with mollusk hosts.
Atrichopogon
biting midges, grass punkies
Atrichopogon is a genus of small biting midges in the family Ceratopogonidae, subfamily Forcipomyiinae. Species occur across multiple continents with documented records from the Neotropical region, Patagonia, Europe, and Asia. Some species are ectoparasites of larger insects, while others develop on aquatic vegetation or in terrestrial habitats such as rotting wood. Immature stages show habitat-specific distribution patterns: larvae of A. wirthi occur on water lettuce leaves, and larvae of European Meloehelea subgenus species inhabit rotting pine wood.
Baetidae
small mayflies, small minnow mayflies
Baetidae is the most species-diverse family of mayflies, comprising approximately 1,000 described species in 110-114 genera worldwide and representing about one-third of all mayfly diversity. Adults are among the smallest mayflies, rarely exceeding 10 mm in length excluding tails, with some species much smaller. The family has a cosmopolitan distribution except for New Zealand and occupies a relatively basal position in Ephemeroptera phylogeny.
Berosini
Berosini is a tribe of water scavenger beetles (Hydrophilidae: Hydrophilinae) comprising 364 species in five genera: Allocotocerus, Berosus, Derallus, Hemiosus, and Regimbartia. The tribe exhibits significant larval ecological diversification, with evolutionary shifts between benthic and cryptic habitats documented. Phylogenetic analysis supports two major clades: one containing Hemiosus and Berosus, and another containing Derallus, Regimbartia, and Allocotocerus.
Bibiocephala
net-winged midges
Bibiocephala is a genus of net-winged midges in the family Blephariceridae, established by Osten Sacken in 1874. The genus contains five described species distributed across the Holarctic region. These midges are members of a specialized family whose larvae inhabit fast-flowing streams and rivers. Adult Bibiocephala are characterized by their distinctive wing venation with dense, net-like crossveins that give the family its common name.
Brachydeutera
Brachydeutera is a genus of shore flies in the family Ephydridae, containing approximately 16 described species. Members of this genus are characterized by their association with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats, where they occupy the hyponeustic zone—living just below the water surface. The genus was established by Loew in 1860 and has been documented across various regions with observations spanning multiple continents.
Bryophaenocladius
Bryophaenocladius is a genus of non-biting midges in the family Chironomidae, subfamily Orthocladiinae. The genus was established by Thienemann in 1934 and includes species distributed across Europe and Asia. Species have been described from Norway, Denmark, Sweden, India, and China. Recent taxonomic work has emended generic diagnoses based on newly discovered morphological characters in multiple life stages.
Caenoidea
Caenoidea is a superfamily of mayflies within the suborder Pannota, distinguished by the filamentous gills of their nymphs. It comprises four families: Baetiscidae, Caenidae, Neoephemeridae, and Prosopistomatidae. The filamentous gill structure serves as the primary diagnostic feature separating this group from the related superfamily Ephemerelloidea.
Caloparyphus
Caloparyphus is a genus of soldier flies (family Stratiomyidae) comprising approximately 12 described species. Species within this genus are associated with madicolous habitats—thin water films on rock surfaces—in eastern North America. The genus was established by James in 1939 and belongs to the tribe Oxycerini. Larval and adult stages have been described for at least some species.
Capniidae
small winter stoneflies, winter stoneflies
Capniidae, the small winter stoneflies, is one of the largest families in the order Plecoptera, comprising approximately 300 species distributed throughout the Holarctic region. Adults are active during winter months, often observed on snow-covered stream banks when most other insects are dormant. The family exhibits notable adaptations to cold environments, including antifreeze compounds and winglessness in some species, which has led to high endemism and restricted distributions. Their closest relatives are the rolled-winged stoneflies (Leuctridae).
Ceraclea
long-horned caddisfly
Ceraclea is a genus of long-horned caddisflies (family Leptoceridae) containing over 140 described species. Larvae are aquatic and construct portable cases using silk and various materials. Multiple species have been documented as freshwater sponge specialists, though feeding habits vary including detritivory. Life cycles range from univoltine to more complex multi-cohort patterns with variable overwintering strategies.
Ceropsilopa
Ceropsilopa is a genus of shore flies in the family Ephydridae, established by Cresson in 1917. These small flies are associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. The genus contains few described species and remains poorly known biologically.
Chauliodinae
Fishflies
Fishflies (subfamily Chauliodinae) are large, winged insects in the megalopteran family Corydalidae. Adults are distinguished from their close relatives, dobsonflies, by their relatively unremarkable mandibles and feathery antennae in males. Larvae are aquatic predators that inhabit clean, flowing streams, where they prey on other aquatic insects and small vertebrates. The subfamily contains approximately 15 genera and nearly 110 species distributed across North America, South America, Africa, Australia, and Asia.
Chiloxanthinae
shore bugs
Chiloxanthinae is a subfamily of shore bugs in the family Saldidae, established by Cobben in 1959. It comprises approximately 7 genera and more than 20 described species. The subfamily includes both extant and extinct taxa, with three fossil genera known from the Oligocene and Eocene. Members are found within the broader shore bug lineage adapted to marginal aquatic habitats.
Chironomidae
non-biting midges, chironomids, lake flies, bay flies, sand flies, muckleheads, muffleheads, Canadian soldiers, American soldiers, blind mosquitoes, chizzywinks, bloodworms (larval stage)
Chironomidae is a large family of non-biting midges with over 10,000 described species globally. Adults are frequently mistaken for mosquitoes due to their similar body shape, but they lack wing scales and piercing mouthparts. The family exhibits remarkable ecological versatility, with larvae inhabiting diverse aquatic and terrestrial environments from Antarctic glaciers to tropical lakes. Males possess distinctive plumose antennae. Larvae of some species contain hemoglobin analogs that produce bright red coloration, earning them the common name 'bloodworms.'
Chironominae
non-biting midges
Chironominae is a subfamily of non-biting midges (Diptera: Chironomidae) containing over 2,000 described species across three tribes: Chironomini, Pseudochironomini, and Tanytarsini. Members are globally distributed and primarily aquatic in their immature stages. The subfamily includes economically and ecologically significant genera such as Chironomus, Polypedilum, and Tanytarsus. Adults are characterized by reduced mouthparts and do not feed; larvae are diverse in habitat specialization, ranging from freshwater lakes and rivers to marine environments and phytotelmata.
Chironomini
non-biting midges
Chironomini is a diverse tribe of non-biting midges within the family Chironomidae. Adults are mosquito-like in appearance but lack piercing mouthparts and are harmless to humans. Larvae are primarily aquatic and play significant roles in freshwater food webs. The tribe contains numerous genera distributed across multiple continents, with species occupying varied freshwater habitats from oligotrophic lakes to eutrophic waters.
Chironomus
nonbiting midges, bloodworms
Chironomus is a genus of nonbiting midges in the family Chironomidae, containing over 200 species. Several species are cryptic and distinguishable only by experts using giant chromosome characteristics. The genus is notable for larvae that inhabit oxygen-poor aquatic sediments, using hemoglobin-like proteins to survive in hypoxic conditions. Adults are recognized by their habit of raising and vibrating their front legs when at rest—a behavior that inspired the genus name derived from Greek 'cheironomos' meaning 'one who moves the hands'.
Chloroperlini
green stoneflies
Chloroperlini is a tribe of green stoneflies within the family Chloroperlidae. Members are characterized by their predominantly green coloration as adults and are associated with lotic freshwater habitats. The tribe contains multiple genera distributed across the Northern Hemisphere. Larvae are aquatic and typically found in cool, well-oxygenated streams.
Cinygmula
Cinygmula is a genus of flatheaded mayflies (Heptageniidae) comprising at least 30 described species. The genus is characterized by distinctive morphological features in some species, including pointed claws and a distinct frontal fold on the imago. Species occur in high-altitude alpine habitats across central Asia and the eastern Himalaya. The genus has been studied for its potential use as a bioindicator of aquatic contamination.
Clanoneurum
shore flies
Clanoneurum is a genus of shore flies (family Ephydridae) established by Becker in 1903. The genus contains at least four described species distributed across multiple continents, including C. americanum, C. cimiciforme, C. menozzii, and C. orientale. Shore flies in this family are generally associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats.
Climacia
spongillaflies
Climacia is a genus of spongillaflies in the family Sisyridae, containing more than 20 described species. Larvae of this genus are obligate associates of freshwater sponges, feeding on sponge tissues. Adults are short-lived and non-feeding. The genus is found in freshwater habitats across North America.
Clinocera binotata
Clinocera binotata is a species of dance fly in the family Empididae, subfamily Clinocerinae. The species was described by Loew in 1876. Like other members of the genus Clinocera, it is associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. The specific epithet 'binotata' refers to two spots or markings, likely describing a distinctive pattern on the body.
Cloeon
Double-gilled Pond Creepers
Cloeon is a cosmopolitan genus of mayflies in the family Baetidae, commonly known as Double-gilled Pond Creepers. Species in this genus are aquatic as larvae (naiads) and inhabit diverse freshwater environments. At least one species, C. dipterum, is known to give birth to live naiads rather than laying eggs externally. The genus has been studied for its tolerance to environmental stressors including temperature and oxygen fluctuations.
Coelotanypus
Coelotanypus is a genus of non-biting midges in the family Chironomidae, subfamily Tanypodinae. The genus contains approximately five described species. It is classified within the tribe Coelotanypodini, a group characterized by predatory larval habits. Species in this genus have been documented in the Americas, with records from Colombia and Norway.
Coenia
Coenia is a genus of shore flies in the family Ephydridae, established by Robineau-Desvoidy in 1830. The genus contains at least six described species distributed across parts of Europe and North America. Shore flies in this family are typically associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats, including margins of water bodies and moist substrates.
Coenia curvicauda
shore fly
Coenia curvicauda is a species of shore fly in the family Ephydridae. The species was first described by Meigen in 1830, originally placed in the genus Ephydra. Shore flies in this family are typically associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats.
Colymbetinae
Colymbetinae is a subfamily of predaceous diving beetles in the family Dytiscidae, containing approximately 11 genera and at least 130 described species. Members are aquatic predators found in diverse freshwater habitats across multiple continents. The subfamily includes the genera Colymbetes, Rhantus, Meladema, and others, with some species serving as indicators of wetland conservation value.
Corduliidae
emeralds, emerald dragonflies, green-eyed skimmers, baskettails, sundragons, shadowdragons, boghaunters
Corduliidae is a family of dragonflies commonly known as emeralds or emerald dragonflies, characterized by metallic green or yellow coloration and large emerald-green eyes. The family includes diverse genera such as baskettails (Epitheca), sundragons (Helocordulia), shadowdragons (Neurocordulia), and boghaunters (Williamsonia). Adults are typically black or dark brown with metallic markings, while larvae are black, hairy-looking, and semiaquatic. The family has a nearly worldwide distribution.
Corisella
water boatmen
Corisella is a genus of water boatmen in the family Corixidae, established by Lundblad in 1928. The genus contains approximately five described species distributed in the Americas. Members are aquatic true bugs inhabiting freshwater environments. One species, Corisella edulis, has been documented as a host for the peritrich ciliate epibiont Orbopercularia lichtensteini in Mexico.
Corixoidea
water boatmen, pygmy water boatmen
Corixoidea is a superfamily of aquatic true bugs (Nepomorpha) containing two families: Corixidae (water boatmen) and Micronectidae (pygmy water boatmen). Members are exclusively aquatic, inhabiting ponds, slow-moving streams, and other freshwater bodies. The superfamily is distinguished by adaptations for underwater life including modified antennae with mechanoreceptive and chemoreceptive sensilla, and diverse feeding strategies ranging from detritivory to predation. Corixidae is the larger family with approximately 500 species worldwide, while Micronectidae contains smaller-bodied species with distinct antennal morphology supporting its family-level recognition.
Corydalinae
Dobsonflies
Corydalinae is a subfamily of large megalopteran insects commonly known as dobsonflies. Adults are among the largest winged insects in their range, with males of some species possessing dramatically elongated mandibles used in intraspecific combat. Larvae, called hellgrammites, are aquatic predators inhabiting clean, fast-flowing streams. The subfamily contains nine genera distributed across the Americas, Asia, and South Africa, with notable Oriental genera including Neurhermes and Nevromus. Some Corydalinae species exhibit striking coloration patterns that likely represent Batesian mimicry of diurnal toxic moths.
Corynoneura
non-biting midges
Corynoneura is a speciose genus of small, non-biting midges in the family Chironomidae. Members occur worldwide except Antarctica, inhabiting both flowing and standing freshwater across various thermal regimes. The genus has been subject to extensive taxonomic revision, with numerous species described from the Neotropical region and Oriental China in recent decades. DNA barcoding studies support the use of molecular data for species delimitation where morphology alone is insufficient.
Cryptochironomus
non-biting midges
Cryptochironomus is a genus of non-biting midges (family Chironomidae) with over 80 described species distributed worldwide. The genus belongs to the Harnischia generic complex within the subfamily Chironominae. Larvae are aquatic and inhabit bottoms of lakes and large rivers, with some species also found in small streams. Species have been documented from North America, Europe, and Asia, including detailed studies from Lake Winnipeg, Michigan, and China.
Diamesa
Winter Midges, Snow Midges
Diamesa is a genus of non-biting midges in the subfamily Diamesinae of the family Chironomidae. Adults are commonly known as winter midges or snow midges due to their unusual cold-season activity. The genus exhibits remarkable cold tolerance, with adults active at sub-zero temperatures and larvae inhabiting cold, running waters. Some species display wing dimorphism, with brachypterous (short-winged) forms adapted for ground mating on snow and ice, and macropterous (fully-winged) forms that swarm in flight during spring.
Dicrotendipes
non-biting midges
Dicrotendipes is a globally distributed genus of non-biting midges in the family Chironomidae. The genus was established by Kieffer in 1913 and contains approximately 25 described species. Larvae of some species have been documented from lotic (flowing water) habitats in Australia, where they exhibit distinctive morphological features including unique arrangements of ventral tubules and characteristic head capsule pigmentation.
Dimecoenia
shore flies
Dimecoenia is a genus of shore flies established by Cresson in 1916, comprising approximately 18 described species. Members of this genus belong to the family Ephydridae, a diverse group of small flies commonly associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. The genus is characterized by morphological features typical of ephydrid flies, though specific diagnostic traits distinguishing Dimecoenia from related genera require detailed examination.