Freshwater
Guides
Isonychiidae
Brush-legged Mayflies
Isonychiidae is a monogeneric family of mayflies containing the single extant genus Isonychia Eaton, 1871, with approximately 37 species distributed across the Holarctic and Oriental regions. The family is characterized by distinctive brush-like or hairy legs in the adult stage, giving rise to the common name "brush-legged mayflies." Species inhabit flowing water habitats, with nymphs occurring on rocky substrates in streams and creeks. The family is among the earliest reported groups of Chinese Ephemeroptera and is relatively abundant at suitable sampling sites.
Isoperla dicala
Sable Stripetail
Isoperla dicala, commonly known as the sable stripetail, is a species of green-winged stonefly in the family Perlodidae. It was described by Frison in 1942. The species is found in eastern North America, with documented occurrences in Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, and Georgia. As a member of the order Plecoptera, it is associated with freshwater environments.
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 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.
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.
Kiefferulus
Kiefferulus is a genus of non-biting midges in the family Chironomidae, subfamily Chironominae. Species occur in freshwater habitats across Europe, Asia, and Australia. The genus includes taxa formerly treated as a subgenus of Chironomus. Larval development has been documented to take 8–12 days under laboratory conditions in at least one species.
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.
Laccobius
water scavenger beetles
Laccobius is a diverse genus of water scavenger beetles in the family Hydrophilidae, with more than 80 described species worldwide. Species are classified into several subgenera including Microlaccobius, Hydroxenus, Glyptolaccobius, and Dimorpholaccobius. They are found across multiple continents including Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America, inhabiting a variety of freshwater marginal habitats.
Laccophilus
Laccophilus is a genus of small diving beetles in the family Dytiscidae, distributed across temperate and tropical regions worldwide. These beetles inhabit freshwater environments and are characterized by their compact, oval bodies and relatively short antennae. The genus contains numerous species, though many remain poorly documented. Members are active swimmers and predators in aquatic ecosystems.
Laccophilus biguttatus
Laccophilus biguttatus is a small predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae, first described by William Kirby in 1837. The species has a notably wide distribution spanning both the Nearctic and Palearctic regions, making it one of the more geographically extensive members of its genus. Like other Laccophilus species, it inhabits freshwater aquatic environments where it functions as an active predator.
Laccophilus fasciatus terminalis
Laccophilus fasciatus terminalis is a subspecies of diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae, described by Sharp in 1882. As a member of the genus Laccophilus, it belongs to a group of small predatory aquatic beetles commonly known as crawling water beetles. The subspecies designation indicates geographic or morphological variation within the widespread species Laccophilus fasciatus. Like other laccophilines, it inhabits freshwater environments where it preys on small invertebrates.
Laccophilus gentilis
Laccophilus gentilis is a small predatory diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae, described by LeConte in 1863. It belongs to the subfamily Laccophilinae, a group of small, often brightly marked diving beetles commonly found in vegetated freshwater habitats. The species occurs in North America and Middle America. Like other members of its genus, it is an aquatic predator that likely inhabits ponds, marshes, and slow-moving waters with abundant vegetation.
Laccophilus maculosus
dingy diver
Laccophilus maculosus, commonly known as the dingy diver, is a predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. It belongs to a genus of small to medium-sized diving beetles that inhabit freshwater environments.
Laccophilus maculosus decipiens
Laccophilus maculosus decipiens is a subspecies of predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae. It belongs to the genus Laccophilus, a diverse group of small to medium-sized diving beetles commonly found in freshwater habitats. The subspecies was described by LeConte in 1852 and occurs in North America and Middle America. Like other members of its genus, it is adapted to aquatic life with modified hind legs for swimming.
Laccophilus maculosus maculosus
A subspecies of predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae. Like other members of the genus Laccophilus, it is an aquatic beetle adapted to freshwater habitats. The specific epithet 'maculosus' refers to spotted or maculate patterning typical of this taxon.
Laccophilus maculosus shermani
Laccophilus maculosus shermani is a subspecies of predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae. It belongs to the genus Laccophilus, a group of small diving beetles commonly found in aquatic habitats. The subspecies was described by Leech in 1944. As a member of the subfamily Laccophilinae, it shares characteristics with other Laccophilus species, including adaptations for underwater predation. Specific distinguishing features of this subspecies compared to the nominate form remain poorly documented in available sources.
Ladona deplanata
Blue Corporal, Little Corporal
Ladona deplanata, commonly known as the Blue Corporal or Little Corporal, is a dragonfly in the skimmer family Libellulidae. First described by Jules Pierre Rambur in 1842, it is common across much of the eastern United States. The species is relatively small among corporal dragonflies and is active during spring.
Lebertioidea
Lebertioidea is a superfamily of water mites (Hydrachnidia) within the order Trombidiformes. Members are aquatic arachnids found primarily in freshwater habitats across the Holarctic region. The superfamily comprises approximately 13 genera distributed among several families including Sperchontidae, Anisitsiellidae, Oxidae, and Torrenticolidae. Larval stages are parasitic on various aquatic insects, while post-larval instars are free-living predators.
Leconectes striatellus
Leconectes striatellus is a species of predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae. The species was originally described as Hydroporus striatellus by LeConte in 1852 and later transferred to the genus Leconectes. It occurs in freshwater aquatic habitats across North and Middle America. As a member of the subfamily Hydroporinae, it represents a lineage of small to medium-sized diving beetles.
Lemnaphila scotlandae
Lemnaphila scotlandae is a species of shore fly in the family Ephydridae, described by Cresson in 1933. The species is notable for its specialized larval ecology: larvae are leaf-miners of duckweed (Lemna spp.). It has been recorded in Canada and the United States.
Lepidurus packardi
Vernal Pool Tadpole Shrimp
Lepidurus packardi is a federally endangered, California endemic freshwater microcrustacean in the order Notostraca. It is an ephemeral wetland specialist restricted to vernal pools and other temporary water bodies. The species is a key food source for larval California Tiger Salamander and acts as an ecosystem engineer through bioturbation. It reaches approximately 5 cm in length with a shield-like carapace up to 3.5 cm long.
Leptobasis melinogaster
Cream-tipped Swampdamsel
Leptobasis melinogaster, known as the cream-tipped swampdamsel, is a damselfly species in the family Coenagrionidae. It was described by González-Soriano in 2002. The species occurs in Mexico and the United States, where it inhabits intermittent rivers and freshwater marshes.
Leptobasis vacillans
Red-tipped Swampdamsel
Leptobasis vacillans is a damselfly species in the family Coenagrionidae, commonly known as the Red-tipped Swampdamsel. It occurs across the Caribbean, Middle America, and South America, with records from Oaxaca and other regions. As a member of the genus Leptobasis, it is associated with swampy habitats. The species was described by Hagen in 1877.
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
long-horned caddisflies
Leptocerus is a genus of long-horned caddisflies in the family Leptoceridae, comprising more than 140 described species. Larvae construct species-specific protective cases. The genus includes species of conservation concern, such as the critically endangered Leptocerus interruptus.
Leptodora
Invisible Water Flea
Leptodora is a genus of large, nearly transparent predatory cladocerans containing two species: L. kindtii, widespread in temperate lakes across the Northern Hemisphere, and L. richardii, known only from eastern Russia. Adults are among the largest planktonic cladocerans, reaching up to 21 mm in length, with approximately 98% transparency as a defense against fish predation. The genus is taxonomically isolated as the sole member of its family Leptodoridae and suborder Haplopoda.
Leptoglossus
leaf-footed bugs
Leptoglossus is a genus of true bugs in the leaf-footed bug family Coreidae, tribe Anisoscelini. Species are characterized by leaflike dilations of the hind tibia, a diagnostic trait of the genus. The genus is distributed throughout the Americas, with some introduced populations in Europe and Asia. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, notably L. occidentalis, which has become invasive in multiple continents.
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nchanmoss-bugarchaeorrhynchanfulgoromorphancicadomorphanmembracoidtreehopperleafhopperplanthopperpsyllidjumping-plant-lousewhiteflyaleyrodidscale-insectcoccoidmealybugaphidadelgidphylloxeransternorrhynchanthysanopteranthripspsocopteranbarklousebooklousephthirapteranlousesucking-lousechewing-lousemallophagananoplurandermapteranearwigblattodeancockroachtermiteisopteranmantodeanmantidphasmidstick-insectleaf-insectorthopterangrasshopperlocustkatydidcricketmole-cricketpygmy-mole-cricketcamel-cricketcave-cricketwetaensiferancaeliferangryllotalpidmyrmecophilidtettigoniidgryllidacrididpamphagidpneumoridlentulidtristirideumastacidproscopiidtridactylidtetrigidgrouse-locustpygmy-grasshopperplecopteranstoneflyembiopteranwebspinnerzorapteranangel-insectdictyopteranLernaea
anchor worms
Lernaea is a genus of parasitic copepod crustaceans commonly called anchor worms, exclusively parasitic on freshwater fishes. Females burrow into fish flesh and transform into unsegmented, wormlike forms with egg sacs visible externally, while males are free-swimming and short-lived. The genus is widely distributed globally and causes significant disease in aquaculture and wild fish populations. Multiple species exist, with Lernaea cyprinacea being the most studied and economically important.
Lernaeopodidae
Lernaeopodidae is a family of parasitic copepods in the order Siphonostomatoida. Females are typically large and fleshy, attaching permanently to fish hosts using a chitinous plug called the bulla. Males are smaller and cling to females using their antennae. Members parasitize both marine and freshwater fishes, with some species causing significant problems in aquaculture.
Lestes
Pond Spreadwings, Spreadwings
Lestes is a genus of damselflies in the family Lestidae, commonly known as pond spreadwings. Members of this genus are distinguished from most other damselflies by their characteristic resting posture: they hold their wings spread at approximately 45 degrees to the body rather than folded together above the abdomen. The genus name derives from the Greek word λῃστής (lēistēs), meaning thief. Lestes species are found across diverse habitats and are among the most widely observed damselflies in temperate regions.
Lestes disjunctus
Northern Spreadwing
Lestes disjunctus, commonly known as the Northern Spreadwing, is a damselfly species in the family Lestidae. It is widely distributed across North America and inhabits a variety of freshwater habitats including riverine wetlands, ponds, and marshes. The species exhibits a univoltine life cycle with egg diapause, requiring overwintering before hatching. Adults emerge in late June through July and remain active until late August. Larvae are predatory, feeding primarily on zooplankton and small aquatic invertebrates. The species holds its wings at approximately 45 degrees to the body when at rest, a characteristic posture of spreadwing damselflies.
Lestes rectangularis
slender spreadwing
Lestes rectangularis, commonly known as the slender spreadwing, is a damselfly species in the family Lestidae. It is native to eastern North America, ranging from eastern Canada through the eastern United States. The species is characterized by its elongated, slender body form and distinctive wing posture at rest, with wings held partially spread rather than folded together above the abdomen. It inhabits springs and temporary pond habitats, where it completes its aquatic larval development before emerging as a flying adult.
Lethocerus
giant water bugs, toe biters, electric light bugs
Lethocerus is a genus of large predatory aquatic true bugs in the family Belostomatidae. Members are among the largest true bugs, with some species exceeding 12 cm in length. The genus is distinguished from related genera by specific morphological features of the fore femur and parasternites. Unlike other giant water bugs, females do not deposit eggs on males' backs; instead, eggs are laid on emergent vegetation above the waterline and guarded by males. The genus shows greatest diversity in the Americas, with limited representation in Europe, Africa, Australia, and Asia.
Leucrocuta aphrodite
Leucrocuta aphrodite is a species of flatheaded mayfly in the family Heptageniidae. It inhabits freshwater streams and rivers in eastern North America. The species was described by McDunnough in 1926.
Leuctridae
rolled-winged stoneflies, needleflies
Leuctridae is a family of stoneflies (Plecoptera) containing at least 390 species. Adults are small, typically 5–13 mm in length, with slender cylindrical wings that wrap around the body at rest, giving the family its common name. The family has a primarily Holarctic distribution with significant diversity in China, Europe, and North America. Larvae develop in freshwater habitats, with some species exhibiting unusual life cycles involving brackish water or coastal areas.
Libellula luctuosa
Widow Skimmer
Libellula luctuosa, commonly known as the Widow Skimmer, is a dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae. Males establish and defend territories at freshwater habitats, engaging in aerial contests with intruding males. The species exhibits a resource-defense polygyny mating system where male reproductive success depends on territory quality. Females visit water primarily to mate and oviposit, typically during midday hours. Larvae are aquatic predators that undergo multiple molts before emerging as winged adults.
Limnephilidae
Northern Caddisflies, Northern Caddis Flies
Limnephilidae is a large family of case-constructing caddisflies comprising approximately 100 genera and nearly 900 described species. Adults are typically brown with narrow, often patterned forewings and broader transparent hindwings. Larvae construct portable cases from diverse plant and mineral materials, with case composition varying by habitat temperature and water flow. The family exhibits exceptional ecological diversity, with larvae occupying nearly all freshwater habitats including a remarkable terrestrial genus, Enoicyla, whose larvae live in woodland leaf litter.
Limnephiloidea
Limnephiloidea is a superfamily of caddisflies (Trichoptera) established by Kolenati in 1848. It encompasses several families of case-making caddisflies, including the diverse family Limnephilidae. Members of this superfamily are predominantly found in freshwater aquatic habitats during their larval stages.
Limnephilus
caddisfly
Limnephilus is the most diverse genus in the family Limnephilidae, containing over 180 described species with broad ecological tolerances and a primarily Holarctic distribution. Species inhabit diverse freshwater habitats including lakes, ponds, slow-moving streams, and high-altitude streams, with some extending to salt marshes and desert environments. Several species are of conservation concern in North America. The genus has been extensively studied as a bioindicator for aquatic pollution and as a model for understanding predator-prey interactions and case-building behavior.
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 occidentalis
Limnephilus occidentalis is a species of northern caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae. It was described by Banks in 1908 and is found in North America. Caddisflies in the genus Limnephilus are generally associated with freshwater habitats.
Limnephilus ornatus
Ornate Northern Caddisfly
Limnephilus ornatus is a species of northern caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae, described by Banks in 1897. It is found in North America across the Nearctic region, with some records indicating possible presence in the Palaearctic. Like other members of the genus Limnephilus, this species is associated with freshwater habitats where larvae construct protective cases from plant material.
Limnephilus spinatus
northern caddisfly
Limnephilus spinatus is a species of northern caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae, described by Banks in 1914. It is known from the Nearctic region, specifically North America. Like other members of the genus Limnephilus, it likely inhabits freshwater aquatic environments during its larval stage.
Limnesiidae
Limnesiidae is a family of water mites (Prostigmata) within the order Trombidiformes. The family comprises at least 3 genera—*Limnesia*, *Centrolimnesia*, and *Tyrrellia*—with approximately 20 described species. Members of this family are aquatic arachnids associated with freshwater habitats.
Limnochares americana
Red Freshwater Mite
Limnochares americana is a species of freshwater mite in the family Limnocharidae, first described by Lundblad in 1941. It belongs to the order Trombidiformes, a group that includes many aquatic and terrestrial mites. As a member of the infraorder Hydrachnidia (water mites), this species is adapted to life in freshwater habitats. The common name "Red Freshwater Mite" reflects its aquatic ecology and likely coloration.
Limnocharidae
Limnocharidae is a small family of mites in the order Trombidiformes, comprising at least 4 genera and approximately 12 described species. The family includes the extant genera *Limnochares*, *Austrolimnochares*, and *Rhyncholimnochares*, plus the extinct genus *†Neolimnochares*. These mites belong to the superfamily Eylaoidea within the suborder Prostigmata.
Limnohydrobius
Limnohydrobius is a genus of water scavenger beetles in the family Hydrophilidae, tribe Hydrobiusini. The genus was established by Reitter in 1909 and contains species associated with freshwater habitats. Members of this genus are small to medium-sized hydrophilid beetles with the characteristic clubbed antennae of the family. The genus is distinguished from related hydrobiusine genera by specific features of the maxillary palps and genitalia.
Limnohydrobius melaenus
Limnohydrobius melaenus is a species of water scavenger beetle in the family Hydrophilidae. It is found in eastern North America, ranging from the Canadian Maritime provinces west to the upper Midwest and south to the southeastern United States. The species is associated with aquatic and semi-aquatic habitats. Like other members of the genus, it is presumed to have aquatic larvae and terrestrial adults.
Limnohydrobius tumidus
Limnohydrobius tumidus is a species of water scavenger beetle in the family Hydrophilidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1855. It is a small aquatic beetle distributed across the eastern and central United States. The species belongs to the tribe Hydrobiusini, which includes aquatic beetles associated with freshwater habitats. Records indicate it has been collected from Maine to Florida and west to Illinois and Indiana.