Aquatic Bugs

Class: Insecta

©Ducks Unlimited Canada/ Darin LanghorstOften referred to as “water bugs”, this diverse group of creatures plays a crucial role in the intricate web of life in freshwater ecosystems. Their fascinating adaptations and behaviors reveal a world of complexity and resilience that often goes unnoticed beneath the water’s surface.

Habitat

Look for aquatic bugs in all types of waterbodies, such as rivers, lakes, streams, and wetlands. Some will make use of all these different waterbodies. Others will prefer specific types: flowing water, like a river, or still water, like a wetland. Within a waterbody, you will find some aquatic bugs among plants, rocks, or
other cover, while others prefer the surface or other open areas.

You can find aquatic bugs at Oak Hammock Marsh!

Food

Aquatic bugs have evolved an array of feeding strategies depending on what they eat. Predators, like dragonfly nymphs and water beetles, are voracious hunters, preying on smaller aquatic bugs or even small fish. Plant-eaters, like water striders and water boatmen, use their mouthparts to pierce and suck plant
material.

Behaviour

One of the most striking aspects of aquatic bugs is their remarkable diversity in terms of size, shape, and appearance. This diversity gives rise to a wide range of behaviours that cater to specific functions, such as swimming, hunting, and breathing. Some are in constant motion, while others are still as statues. Laying in wait, ambushing, and chasing are all different hunting methods that you may see. Snorkel-like tubes help some aquatic bugs breathe just below the surface, while other take bubbles as scuba tanks, while yet
others have gills to take air from the water, like fish.

Conservation

Aquatic bugs are often regarded as “bioindicators” of water quality. The presence or absence of certain species can offer valuable insights into the health of a waterbody. Pollution, habitat degradation, and changes in water chemistry are all things that can impact aquatic bugs.

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