Invertebrates include insects, spiders, worms, snails, crayfish, and any other animals without backbones. They range is size from microscopic mites to giant squids. Nintey-seven percent of all animals are invertebrates.
Insects are very adaptable and can be found almost everywhere – including the prairie and woodlands at Homestead National Historical Park. They burrow through the ground, hop and sing in the trees, and dart and dance in the air. They come in many different colors and various shapes. Insects are extremely useful to humans, pollinating our crops as well as flowers in prairies, forests, deserts and other areas. They are vital to the immense cycle of life, furnishing food for other creatures and breaking down natural materials to chemicals and nutrients for recycling into new life.
To observe the busy world of insects, go out to the prairie and sit quietly. You’ll soon notice all sorts of insects moving about, feeding, capturing prey, building homes, attracting mates, laying eggs – or just resting.
Many invertebrates live in the stream for months. This exposes them to changing water quality conditions over time. Some species can live in poor water quality, while others need clean water. Aquatic invertebrate communities are the “canary in the coal mine” for water quality of a creek. Since 1989, NPS scientists have monitored invertebrates in Cub Creek.
