Sideswimmer:
Also known as a scud, the scientific name is Amphipod. Resembling a small shrimp, it swims quickly on it’s side and burrows into clumps of vegetation. An omnivore and scavenger, the side swimmer feeds on
plants and animals. It is moderately tolerant of pollution.

Mayfly nymph:
With three long tails, mayfly nymphs have feathery gills located along
the side of the abdomen. Requiring clean, oxygenated water, mayfly nymphs are pollution intolerant. Large numbers likely indicate good water quality and high oxygen levels.

Dragonfly nymph:
Powered by their butts, dragonfly nymphs squirt water for propulsion.
Found in slow moving and still water, dragonfly nymphs eat larvae, nymphs, tadpoles and small fish. This is one effective predator. It eats mosquito larvae in the water and the adult dragonfly eats mosquitoes on land. They are moderately pollutant tolerant.

Damselfly nymph:
With three paddle-shaped tails to power their movement, Damselfly
nymphs easily catch prey with an extendable lower lip. They feed on mayfly nymphs,mosquito larvae and whatever else is small enough to grab.

Water boatman:
An insect that can fly and swim, water boatman are omnivorous and feed
on algae, detritus and mosquito larvae. They are found in all types of water, moving or still. Water boatman “scuba dive” with an air bubble trapped under it’s body. Because Water boatman do not rely on dissolved oxygen in the water they are not necessarily a useful indicator of water quality.

Water strider:
Water striders have hairy feet and legs to help keep them on the surface.