Macroinvertebrate Information

In order to provide citizen stream monitors and others interested in stream ecology with additional information about some of the aquatic macroinvertebrates that are found during biotic index monitoring, Robert Bohanan developed a series of short write ups about 8 orders of aquatic macroinvertebrates commonly found in Wisconsin, including: Diptera, Coleoptera, Ephemeroptera, Megaloptera, Odonata, Plecoptera, Trichoptera, and Lepidoptera.  Within each order, he describes these insects’ life cycles, their method of feeding, and the habitats in which they live.   He also describes this information for selected families within each order.  Phil Emmling has provided photographs of many of these families.  Use the links at the top right to learn more about these aquatic macroinvertebrates.