Freshwater
Guides
Limnoporus
pondskaters
Limnoporus is a Holarctic genus of water striders (family Gerridae) comprising six extant species and one extinct species known from fossils. Species occur across northern North America and Eurasia, with notable hybridization between sympatric species in western Canada. The genus exhibits variation in body size, wing polymorphism, and habitat preferences that have been studied in phylogenetic and evolutionary contexts.
Limnoporus notabilis
Limnoporus notabilis is a species of water strider in the family Gerridae, occurring across North America. As a member of the genus Limnoporus, it inhabits freshwater surface habitats where it moves via surface tension. The species has been documented in 863 iNaturalist observations, indicating it is relatively well-observed among North American water striders.
Liodessus
Liodessus is a genus of small diving beetles in the family Dytiscidae, tribe Bidessini. Species occur across the Americas from North America through the Andes to southern South America, with notable diversity in high-altitude wetlands and páramo ecosystems. Many species inhabit shallow, exposed pools and temporary water bodies, showing phenotypic plasticity in body form correlated with habitat permanence. The genus contains numerous species, with several new species described from the high Andes of Peru and Colombia in recent years. Taxonomic resolution relies heavily on male genital morphology.
diving-beetleaquatic-insecthigh-altitudepáramoAndesphenotypic-plasticityBidessiniHydroporinaeDytiscidaeColeopterawetlandtemporary-poolpeatlandsubantarctictaxonomymale-genitaliaCOI-barcodecryptic-speciesincipient-speciationhybridizationgeometric-morphometricsenvironmental-sentineldrought-indicatorSouth-AmericaNorth-AmericaFijiNavarino-IslandMagallanesPeruColombiaChileArgentinaBoliviaBogotáJunínCuscoHuánucoCundinamarcaSumapazPunasteppepeat-bogshallow-poolpuddlealtitude-3400-4900mL.-affinis-complexL.-bogotensis-complexL.-chilensisL.-affinisL.-obscurellusL.-noviaffinisL.-saratogaeL.-picinusL.-santarositaL.-alpinusL.-hauthiL.-rhigosL.-thespesiosGuignot-1939ZimmermannSharpLeConteSaySteinheilRégimbartBiströmMillerBalkeFranciscoloSanfilippoPederzaniNilssonYoungClarkHatchMannerheimCaseyAubéBalfour-BrowneBrinckPeschetSolierWhiteZootaxaZooKeysInsect-Systematics-&-EvolutionAnales-del-Instituto-de-la-PatagoniaPLoS-ONEGBIFiNaturalistCatalogue-of-LifeNCBI-TaxonomyBOLDBarcode-of-Life-Data-SystemCOImitochondrial-DNAphylogeographypopulation-structurerange-expansionlineagegenetic-structuresubspecieslectotypeneotypesynonymynew-speciesnew-subspeciesrevisionmorphometricsallometrybody-sizebody-shapeelytrapronotumstriaecolorationpunctationhabitusoccipital-linegenital-morphologyaedeagusparamerediagnosisidentification-keytype-localitytype-specimenetymologybionomicsnatural-historygeographic-distributiondistribution-mapNearcticNeotropicalPatagoniaCape-Horn-Biosphere-Reservedroughtclimate-changeenvironmental-changesentinel-speciesplasticityadaptationphenotypic-variationhydrological-landscapewater-permanencepoolbogAltiplanoAndeanhigh-elevationmontanealpineaquaticfreshwaterlenticloticinsectbeetleAdephagaLiodessusLiodessus affinis
Liodessus affinis is a small predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae, first described by Say in 1823. The species belongs to a taxonomically challenging species complex that was revised in 1998, during which several former synonyms were elevated to species status. It is found in aquatic habitats across North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Like other members of the genus, it is a predator in freshwater ecosystems.
Liodessus flavicollis
Liodessus flavicollis is a species of predaceous diving beetle (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae) described by LeConte in 1855. The species belongs to the tribe Bidessini within the subfamily Hydroporinae, a group of small diving beetles commonly found in freshwater habitats. The specific epithet flavicollis refers to the yellowish coloration of the pronotum. The genus Liodessus contains numerous small-bodied species that are often challenging to distinguish without detailed examination.
Lirceolus
Texas Caveslaters
Lirceolus is a genus of freshwater isopods in the family Asellidae, endemic to subterranean habitats in Texas, USA. These troglobitic crustaceans are adapted to life in caves and aquifers, showing reduced pigmentation and eye structures compared to surface-dwelling relatives. The genus was established by Bowman and Longley in 1976 to accommodate species previously assigned to other asellid genera. Known as "Texas Caveslaters," they represent an important component of the unique groundwater fauna of the Edwards Aquifer and related systems.
Lispe tentaculata
A muscid fly with Holarctic distribution, widespread across the Palearctic from the Iberian Peninsula to Kamchatka. Males exhibit distinctive modified fore tarsi with brush-like setulae and a finger-like yellow process on tarsomere 1. The species inhabits riparian environments including river banks, pond margins, and forest streams. Taxonomic identification relies on male genitalic structures and specific leg chaetotaxy patterns.
Lutrochus arizonicus
Lutrochus arizonicus is a species of travertine beetle in the family Lutrochidae, described by Brown & Murvosh in 1970. The species is known from North America and belongs to a small family of beetles associated with travertine (calcium carbonate) deposits in aquatic environments. As a member of the genus Lutrochus, it likely inhabits freshwater habitats with mineral-rich substrates, though specific ecological details remain limited in available sources.
Lutrochus laticeps
travertine beetle
Lutrochus laticeps is a species of travertine beetle in the family Lutrochidae, first described by Casey in 1893. It was rediscovered in Kansas, USA, representing a significant range extension. The species is associated with freshwater stream habitats in eastern North America.
Lutrochus luteus
travertine beetle
Lutrochus luteus is a species of travertine beetle in the family Lutrochidae, first described by LeConte in 1852. It is found in North America. The species belongs to a small family of aquatic beetles commonly known as travertine beetles, which are associated with freshwater habitats.
Lype diversa
net tube caddisfly
Lype diversa is a species of net tube caddisfly in the family Psychomyiidae, first described by Nathan Banks in 1914. It is a small, inconspicuous caddisfly found in freshwater habitats across North America. Like other members of its family, larvae construct silken capture nets to filter food particles from flowing water. The species is among the least documented in its genus, with sparse occurrence records and limited ecological study.
Maccaffertium meririvulanum
fresh flat-headed mayfly
Maccaffertium meririvulanum is a species of flatheaded mayfly in the family Heptageniidae, characterized by its distinctive flattened head morphology typical of this group. The species is known from North America, where it inhabits freshwater lotic environments. As with other members of the genus, it undergoes the unique mayfly developmental pattern involving a winged subadult (subimago) stage that molts once more to reach sexual maturity.
Macromia illinoiensis
swift river cruiser, Illinois river cruiser
Macromia illinoiensis, commonly known as the swift river cruiser or Illinois river cruiser, is a dragonfly species in the family Macromiidae. The aquatic larval stage has been extensively studied due to its interactions with the invasive zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha), which frequently colonizes larval bodies. Research demonstrates that zebra mussel attachment impairs larval foraging behavior, reducing prey capture efficiency and altering burying behavior. Mussel colonization creates a positive feedback loop where colonized larvae bury more shallowly, increasing further colonization risk. These effects are density-dependent and reversible when mussels are lost, typically at molting. The species' life cycle spans aquatic and terrestrial habitats, making population impacts from mussel colonization potentially significant for ecosystem dynamics.
Macromia illinoiensis illinoiensis
Illinois River Cruiser
A subspecies of river cruiser dragonfly whose larvae are frequently colonized by invasive zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha). Larvae exhibit burying behavior in substrates and employ both sit-and-wait ambush and active sprawling foraging strategies. Research indicates zebra mussel attachment negatively affects prey capture rates and alters burying depth, with behavioral changes reversing upon natural mussel loss at molting.
Macronematinae
net-spinning caddisflies
Macronematinae is a subfamily of net-spinning caddisflies (Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae) established by Ulmer in 1905. Larvae construct silk webs to capture prey drifting in flowing water. The subfamily includes genera such as Macronema, Macrostemum, Leptonema, Leptopsyche, and the Neotropical endemic Centromacronema. Members occupy diverse freshwater habitats across multiple continents.
Macronychus glabratus
riffle beetle
Macronychus glabratus is a species of riffle beetle in the family Elmidae, described by Say in 1825. It inhabits lotic freshwater environments, specifically stream riffles in North America. Research has documented its life cycle, growth, survival, and production in streams of northwest Arkansas and southeast Texas.
Macrothricidae
Macrothricidae is a family of small freshwater crustaceans in the order Diplostraca (formerly Anomopoda), commonly known as water fleas. The family comprises approximately 17 genera and at least 80 described species. Macrothricids exhibit diverse ecological specializations and feeding mechanisms, with many species inhabiting littoral zones of lakes and ponds. The family remains among the least studied groups of Cladocera, with ongoing taxonomic revisions revealing previously unrecognized species diversity and biogeographic patterns.
Malenka
Malenka is a genus of small stoneflies in the family Nemouridae, first described by Ricker in 1952. These insects belong to the suborder Arctoperlaria and are part of the diverse stonefly fauna of North America. Members of this genus are associated with freshwater habitats and are characterized by features typical of the Nemouridae family.
Marilia
Marilia is a genus of caddisflies in the family Odontoceridae, order Trichoptera. Caddisflies in this family are aquatic insects whose larvae construct protective cases from sand grains and small particles. The genus was established by Mueller in 1880 and is distributed primarily in the Neotropical region, with records from Colombia and other parts of South America.
Matriella teresa
Matriella teresa is a species of spiny crawler mayfly in the family Ephemerellidae, described by Traver in 1934. It belongs to a genus of mayflies found in North America. As with other members of Ephemerellidae, it likely inhabits freshwater streams and rivers during its aquatic nymphal stage.
Megamelus trifidus
Megamelus trifidus is a species of planthopper in the family Delphacidae, first described by Beamer in 1955. This species belongs to a genus that includes several economically important planthoppers associated with aquatic and semi-aquatic vegetation. Members of Megamelus are known to feed on monocotyledonous plants, particularly in wetland habitats. The specific biology and host associations of M. trifidus remain poorly documented compared to congeners such as M. scutellaris and M. paludicola, which have been studied as potential biological control agents for invasive aquatic weeds.
Metaxydytes
Metaxydytes is a genus of predaceous diving beetles in the subfamily Cybistrinae, endemic to the Neotropics. The genus comprises nine species that were reclassified from the genus Megadytes based on phylogenetic and morphological evidence. These are large aquatic beetles adapted to freshwater habitats. The genus was established to accommodate species previously considered part of a broader Megadytes concept.
Metretopodidae
cleftfooted minnow mayflies
Metretopodidae is a family of mayflies in the order Ephemeroptera, commonly known as cleftfooted minnow mayflies. The family contains at least 3 genera (Metreplecton, Metretopus, Siphloplecton) and more than 20 described species. These mayflies are part of the diverse aquatic insect fauna associated with freshwater habitats.
Metretopus
Metretopus is a genus of mayflies (Ephemeroptera) in the family Metretopodidae, containing at least two species: M. alter and M. borealis. These insects are found across northern regions of Europe, Russia, and North America. The genus has historically posed identification challenges, with M. alter frequently misidentified as M. borealis until morphological distinguishing characters were established.
Metrichia
Metrichia is a genus of microcaddisflies in the family Hydroptilidae, established by Ross in 1938. The genus belongs to the tribe Ochrotrichiini and is distributed across northern South America, with confirmed records from Colombia. As with other hydroptilids, adults are minute with reduced wing venation and larvae construct portable, silken cases.
Micrasema rusticum
humpless casemaker caddisfly
Micrasema rusticum is a species of humpless casemaker caddisfly in the family Brachycentridae, first described by Hagen in 1868. The species is known from North America, with confirmed records from the United States including Vermont. As a member of the Brachycentridae family, it belongs to a group of caddisflies whose larvae construct portable cases from plant material.
Micropsectra
non-biting midges
Micropsectra is a genus of non-biting midges in the family Chironomidae, tribe Tanytarsini, described by Kieffer in 1909. The genus contains over 170 described species, though taxonomic revision indicates approximately 83 valid species with many former species reassigned to other genera. Species are primarily distributed across the Holarctic region, with most occurring in the Palaearctic and Nearctic regions and limited representation in the northern Oriental region. The genus forms part of the Micropsectra series, a monophyletic group within Tanytarsini that includes Rheotanytarsus, Parapsectra, Krenopsectra, and Paratanytarsus.
Microtendipes
non-biting midges
Microtendipes is a genus of non-biting midges in the family Chironomidae comprising over 60 species with nearly worldwide distribution. Adult males are distinguished by one or two rows of stout proximally directed setae on the fore femur. The genus is divided into two species groups based on larval characteristics. Species delimitation has been historically challenging due to color pattern variations, but DNA barcoding has proven effective for identification.
Microvelia
small water striders, riffle bugs
Microvelia is a large genus of small semiaquatic bugs comprising at least 230 described species distributed worldwide. These insects inhabit nearshore areas of stagnant or slow-flowing freshwater, where they move on the water surface using surface tension. The genus exhibits wing dimorphism, with populations containing both fully winged (macropterous) and short-winged (brachypterous) individuals. Several subgenera have been recognized including Austromicrovelia, Barbivelia, Pacificovelia, and Picaultia, based on phylogenetic and morphological analyses.
Microvelia buenoi
smaller water strider
Microvelia buenoi is a small semiaquatic bug in the family Veliidae, commonly known as smaller water striders. The species was described by Drake in 1920 and occurs across a broad transcontinental range spanning Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. Like other members of the genus Microvelia, it inhabits the surface film of freshwater habitats where it moves with characteristic rapid, darting movements. The specific epithet honors entomologist Erika Bueno's family name, though this appears coincidental rather than commemorative.
Microvelia californiensis
Microvelia californiensis is a species of small water strider in the family Veliidae, described by McKinstry in 1937. The species is known from California and adjacent regions of western North America. Like other members of the genus, it inhabits the surface film of freshwater habitats. Very few observations of this species have been documented in public databases.
Microvelia cubana
Microvelia cubana is a small semiaquatic true bug described from Cuba in 1951. As a member of the family Veliidae, it belongs to a group of insects commonly known as small water striders or riffle bugs. The species inhabits freshwater environments in the Caribbean region. Limited published information exists regarding its biology and ecology.
Microvelia signata
Microvelia signata is a small water strider in the family Veliidae, found in aquatic and semi-aquatic habitats across North and Middle America. Like other members of the genus Microvelia, it is adapted for life on the water surface, using surface tension to skate across ponds, streams, and other freshwater bodies. The species was described by Philip Uhler in 1894 and is recognized as a valid taxon in current classifications.
Mochlonyx
Mochlonyx is a genus of phantom midges in the family Chaoboridae. The genus was established by Loew in 1844 and contains at least two described species: Mochlonyx cinctipes and Mochlonyx fuliginosus. These flies are found in temperate regions of Europe and North America. The genus is part of the diverse assemblage of non-biting midges that inhabit freshwater systems.
Molanna
hood casemakers
Molanna is a genus of caddisflies (order Trichoptera) commonly known as hood casemakers, comprising over 20 described species. Larvae construct portable cases from sand grains and inhabit shallow freshwater environments including lake margins and spring-fed streams. Adults exhibit sex-specific antennal morphology and chemical communication, with females producing sex pheromones that attract males to mating sites near water.
Molanna blenda
hood casemaker
Molanna blenda is a species of caddisfly in the family Molannidae, commonly referred to as hood casemakers. The species was described by Sibley in 1926. It is known from North America, where it inhabits freshwater environments. Like other members of Molannidae, larvae construct distinctive portable cases using silk and sand particles.
Molannidae
Hood Casemaker Caddisflies
Molannidae is a small family of caddisflies (Trichoptera) containing approximately 40 described species across three genera: Molanna, Molannodes, and Indomolannodes. The family occurs in the Holarctic and Oriental biogeographic regions. Adults are commonly known as "hood casemakers" and have a distinctive appearance in repose, resembling short branch segments. Larvae construct portable cases and inhabit lentic and slow lotic environments, primarily on sandy substrates.
Mystacides
long-horned caddisflies
Mystacides is a genus of caddisflies in the family Leptoceridae, commonly known as long-horned caddisflies. The genus contains at least 20 described species distributed across North America and Eurasia. Adults are characterized by exceptionally long antennae, often exceeding body length. Larvae construct portable cases from sand grains and plant fragments.
Mystacides sepulchralis
black dancer, Black Dancer Caddisfly
Mystacides sepulchralis, commonly known as the black dancer, is a species of long-horned caddisfly in the family Leptoceridae. It is one of three Mystacides species found in North America, alongside M. alafimbriata and M. longicornis. The species has been the subject of taxonomic study due to difficulties in identification, particularly of larval and pupal stages.
Natarsia
Natarsia is a genus of non-biting midges in the bloodworm family Chironomidae, established by Fittkau in 1962. It is the sole genus in the monotypic tribe Natarsiini within the subfamily Tanypodinae. The genus contains six described species distributed across the Holarctic region. Members are aquatic insects with larvae that develop in freshwater habitats.
Neargyractis
Neargyractis is a genus of aquatic moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Acentropinae. The genus was established by W.H. Lange in 1956 during a revision of North American aquatic moths. It contains at least eight described species distributed primarily in the Americas.
Nebrioporus rotundatus
Nebrioporus rotundatus is a species of diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae, occurring in North America. It belongs to a genus of small predaceous diving beetles commonly found in freshwater habitats. The species was described by LeConte in 1863 and is currently accepted as valid.
Nectoporus
Nectoporus is a genus of diving beetles (family Dytiscidae) established by Guignot in 1950. It belongs to the subfamily Hydroporinae, a diverse group of small to medium-sized predatory aquatic beetles. Members of this genus are found in freshwater habitats, primarily in the Southern Hemisphere based on available distribution records. As with other dytiscids, they are aquatic predators with adaptations for underwater life including modified hind legs for swimming.
Nectoporus crassulus
Nectoporus crassulus is a species of predaceous diving beetle (family Dytiscidae) described by Fall in 1923. It belongs to the subfamily Hydroporinae, a diverse group of small to medium-sized diving beetles. The genus Nectoporus is part of the subtribe Deronectina, which contains species primarily associated with freshwater habitats.
Nectopsyche
White Miller Caddisflies, White Millers
Nectopsyche is a genus of caddisflies in the family Leptoceridae, commonly known as white millers. The genus contains at least 70 described species distributed across the Americas, with records from North America through the tropical Andes. Species occupy diverse freshwater habitats ranging from lentic (still-water) environments to lotic (flowing) highland streams. Several species have been studied as bioindicators of aquatic pollution due to their sensitivity to pesticides and heavy metals.
Nectopsyche candida
Radiant Long-horned Caddisfly
Nectopsyche candida is a species of long-horned caddisfly in the family Leptoceridae. It is found in North America. The species belongs to a genus characterized by elongated antennae, a trait reflected in the common name for this group. Like other caddisflies, it has an aquatic larval stage and terrestrial adult stage.
Nectopsyche exquisita
exquisite long-horned caddisfly
Nectopsyche exquisita is a species of long-horned caddisfly in the family Leptoceridae, characterized by its distinctive wing patterning and banded antennae. Adults are medium-sized caddisflies with striking yellow and white hair patterns on the wings. The species is found in eastern North America near slow-moving aquatic habitats. Adults are attracted to light and have been documented in urban settings.
Nemotaulius hostilis
Inimical Northern Caddisfly
Nemotaulius hostilis is a northern caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae, found in North America. It inhabits permanent freshwater pools and exhibits a univoltine life cycle with adults emerging in late May. The species is notable for its use of sex pheromones in mate attraction and a distinctive reproductive phenomenon involving egg mass liquefaction. Larvae build cases using plant material and grow at rates comparable to other detritivorous shredders in permanent waters.
Nemouroidea
Rolled-winged Stoneflies, Forest Stoneflies, Winter Stoneflies
Nemouroidea is a superfamily of stoneflies (Plecoptera) within the suborder Arctoperlaria, comprising five families: Capniidae (winter stoneflies), Taeniopterygidae, Nemouridae, Notonemouridae, and Leuctridae. These stoneflies are predominantly found in freshwater habitats across the Northern Hemisphere. The group includes notable cold-adapted species such as snow flies that emerge during winter months.
Neocylloepus
Neocylloepus is a genus of riffle beetles in the family Elmidae, established by Brown in 1970. The genus contains eight described species, all distributed in Colombia. These beetles are associated with freshwater habitats, specifically riffle environments in streams and rivers.