Every piece of an ecosystem is important, even the ones you can't see.
In the ponds of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, there are animals called macroinvertebrates. Macroinvertebrates are often called "macros". They are invertebrates (animals without a backbone) that you can see without using a microscope or magnifying glass. Macro prefix comes from the Greek “makros” meaning large, and visible to the naked eye. Many different kinds of animals can be macroinvertebrates including insects, crustaceans, gastropods, and more.
Macorinvertebrates go through different stages in their life cycle depending on the species. Some macroinvertebrates go through the process of metamorphisis. Metamorphism is the process of which insects or amphibians convert from immature to adult formation. This process occurs when a larva emerges from an insect egg when it hatches. The larva consumes food growing larger over time then becoming a pupa. The pupa later forms a cocoon and is motionless. The insect undergoes transformation while in the pupa stage. The larva's tissues and appendages degrade and reassemble into the adult form. When an insect undergoes incomplete metamorphosis, it does not undergo a complete change. Instead, it molts its exoskeleton when the immature grows into its adult form with the same body plan. Molting is when an organism sheds old feathers, skin, exoskeleton, hair, and/or shell.
Macroinvertebrates greatly assist with the maintenance of aquatic environments. They consume dead or decaying bacteria, plants and animals. This process helps to recycle nutrients back into the habitats while providing a valuable cleaning service. They are also an important food source for fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
Aquatic macroinvertebrates are indicators for good water quality. Scientists have developed an understanding of the health of aquatic ecosystems based on the diversity of macroinvertebrates and their susceptibility to pollution.
Physical, chemical, and biological conditions can play an affect aquatic macroinvertebrate. They can show the cumulative impacts of pollution either increasing or decreasing. Some macros are not affected by heavily polluted ecosystems. Others are more sensitive and cannot survive in polluted waters.
There are many kinds of macroinvertebrates found in the ponds at the gardens. Below are some of the most common:
Stonefly on a finger
NPS/Renata Harrison
Stoneflies
Order: Plecoptera
The stonefly has a three-part life cycle: egg, nymph, and adult. As nymphs they live in clean, flowing streams, rivers, and springs. They creep under rocks and other submerged objects. A stonefly nymph may live in wetlands anywhere from one to three years. As they grow, they push through their exoskeleton, and emerge as a larger nymph. Lasty, the adult stage of stoneflies can live from one to four weeks long. During their final molting stage most stoneflies lose their ability to eat. As adults their main purpose is to mate and reproduce. Stonefly larvae are a favorite food of many types of fish. Stoneflies require clean, well-oxygenated water, so their presence is a sign of good water quality.
Crayfish
Tim Ervin
Crayfish
Phylum: Arthropoda
Crayfish are freshwater crustaceans, with an anatomy like lobsters. They shed their tough exoskeleton many times over the course of their lives. These species can also be in brackish and saltwater environments. They can be found in streams and lakes, often concealing themselves under rocks or logs.
Crayfish are most active at night. They forage on snails, bug larvae, worms, and frog tadpoles, though some may consume foliage. There predators are fish, birds and aquatic mammals, not to mention humans. Crayfish play a central role and attribute in ecosystems. They are water quality indicators, and bioindicators for the communities or habitats.
Damselfly
NPS
Damselflies
Order: Odonata
Damselflies have a three-part life cycle: egg, larva, adult. These insects are an example of incomplete metamorphosis. Their lifecycle is short only lasting one year after maturity. They have the ability to spend between two months and three years in their nymph stage.
lilypad forktail damselfly
Jenny Glenn
Depending on the environmental conditions, they can molt up to fifteen times. Damselflies have a wide range of predators. Some may include birds, fish, frogs, dragonflies, other damselflies, water spiders, and water beetles. Giant water bugs eat damselflies in both nymphs and adult stages. Damselflies have a wide variety of prey. They will eat water spiders, mosquitos, flies and more; making them great for pest control. Damselflies are healthy bio-indicators of freshwater ecosystem and water quality.
Grass Shrimp
The Chesapeake Bay Program
Grass Shrimp
Phylum: Arthropoda
Glass shrimp also known as ghost shrimp are freshwater organism with clear-colored bodies. They have a translucent (exoskeleton) exterior that allows them to hide better in open water. They live in ponds, lakes, and streams in the coastal plain of North American.
Grass shrimp are important ecological invertebrates that transfer energy and nutrients between trophic levels. They transfer these nutrients by breaking down detritus, bacteria, fungi, and algae. They are also an important source of food for many crabs, fish, waterfowls, and seabirds. Freshwater shrimp are important indicators for elevating pollutants in bodies of water. Their presence is a clear indicator of good water quality.
Black Saddlebags Dragonfly
Jenny Glenn
Dragonflies
Order: Odonata
Dragonflies have a three-part life cycle: egg, larva, adult. A dragonfly's life cycle is an example of incomplete metamorphosis. Dragonfly eggs can be found at the water's surface. Most of the dragonfly's life is in its nymph state. They undergo six to fifteen molts. This process is important for new development. They will then crawl to land before emerging as adults. Exposure to the air and sun will darken their exoskeleton. This process leaves behind a cast skin, called an exuvia. This whole process lasts between one to three hours. Dragonflies are vicious predators and can eat up to 100 mosquitos a day in both nymph and adult stages. They are prey to birds and fish. Dragonflies are a good indicator of clean water ecosystem. They need stable oxygen levels and good water quality to survive.
Caddisfly larvae
NPS / Bob Hendricks
Caddisflies
Order: Trichoptera
Caddisflies are a moth like insect as mature adults. Their larvae live in freshwater environments like lakes, ponds, rivers, streams. In a couple of days, the young larvae will hatch. The larvae can be herbivorous, carnivorous, or omnivorous, depending on the species. Some larvae species form webs of debris for protection. While others form a funnel-like web between stones in running water to catch food. As pupae, caddisflies construct an aquatic cocoon in which to dwell. The cocoon can be stones, sand, leaves and twigs with a silk they secrete from glands around the mouth. This process is important for the next stages of Caddisfly's lifecycle. It also provides protection and rigidity.
Caddisfly
USFWS
After a few months they'll begin to transition into an adult terrestrial insect. Like moths, caddisflies love light and are active at night. Caddisflies are integral components in its food chain. Caddisflies are a food source for birds, reptiles and other terrestrial animals. Trout also enjoy feeding on mature Caddisflies as they skim near water. Most adult caddisflies do not have the ability to feed on solids.
Caddisflies filter algae and other organisms in the freshwater ecosystems. Their larvae help reduce plant growth and dispose of animal or plant debris. Also, their sensitive to pollution which serve as an indicator of water quality.
Fresh Water Snail
NPS
Freshwater Snail
Phylum: Mollusca
Freshwater snails are gastropod mollusks. There are approximately 5,000 snail species that live in ponds, streams, lakes, and rivers. Some freshwater snails are amphibious. Meaning they can thrive in moist soil or among plants that are close to water bodies.
Most of the freshwater gastropods have a shell, with very few exceptions. Some groups of freshwater snails use gills to breathe. Whereas other groups need to reach the surface to breathe air. Moreover, some of them are amphibious and have both gills and lungs.
All snail shells are made mostly of calcium carbonate, which is a main chemical found in marine organisms. This substance is in both salt and freshwater ecosystems. It is a common substance found in rocks, eggshells, limestone, and gastropod shells. Gastropod shells grow with the snail for the duration of its life.
There are 500 species of freshwater snails in North America alone. Many freshwater snails are helpful scavengers that consume algae. Also, dead plants, dead fish, surplus fish food, and other trash. Freshwater snails are important to the environment. They promote better water quality and maintain a healthy balance in its habitat.
Water Beetle
NPS
Water beetle
Order: Coleoptera
There are 2000 species of true water beetle's native to lands throughout the world. Beetles are the largest group of living organisms. Water beetles are one of the most diverse group of species in freshwater ecosystems. Matured water beetles are great fliers. Some have fringed hind legs adapted for swimming. Some water beetles trap air bubbles with the small hairs lining their legs and abdomens. When underwater for extended periods of time, the bubbles keep them oxygenated.
Decrease in water quality is a serious risk factor for aquatic beetles. They serve as nutrient contributors for higher-trophic-level organisms. Also, they maintain a healthy ecosystem by preying on lower-trophic-level species. These insects are valuable indicators of good water quality.
Mayfly
NPS
Mayflies
Order: Ephemeroptera
Mayflies are near freshwater bodies such as streams, lakes, or ponds. They spend most of their time developing in freshwater environments. Their lifecycle consists of 4 stages, egg, nymph, subimago, and imago. The sub-imago is a brief stage of transformation into an adult (imago) that is sexually mature. The sub-imago's has hazy wings and a pubescent body. The imago often has transparent wings and a smooth, shining exoskeleton.
Mayfly with wings
NPS Photo / Blake Trester
Mayflies are a vital source of food for fish, frogs, toads, birds, and some reptiles. These insects are a rich source of protein, B vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Mayflies serves as important indicators of water quality and environmental health.
Mayflies provides vital food supplies for both aquatic and terrestrial predators. They are a keystone species in freshwater environments. They are fascinating organisms with adaptations that enable them to thrive. They have extraordinary navigational abilities, and sensitive to environmental cues. They are vital to sustaining the stability of their ecosystems.
