Macroinvertebrate ID Resources
The Virginia Save Our Streams biological monitoring method involves collecting and identifying aquatic macroinvertebrates, or stream insects and crustaceans. Different macroinvertebrates have different tolerances to pollution, so identifying the types of insects and crustaceans living under the water can determine water quality.
Most macroinvertebrate identification guides will ask you to look for distinguishing characteristics of the insect or crustacean. For example, how many legs does it have? Does it have antennae? Does it have gills on the abdomen? Many macroinvertebrates share a few characteristics, so it is important to identify multiple features that solidify your identification.
Remember, the validity and usability of VA SOS data relies on accurate identifications!
VA SOS Identification Keys
Virginia Save Our Streams has several downloadable keys that are specific to the macroinvertebrates used in the VA SOS stream monitoring methods.
Special thanks to Lucila Fernandez from Montgomery Parks for translating!
Field Guides
Guide to Aquatic Insects and Crustaceans
An updated version of the original Save Our Streams Monitor’s Guide to Aquatic Macroinvertebrates, this 64-page fully illustrated guide is designed to enable anyone to identify aquatic insects and crustaceans. It includes a dichotomous key, detailed description of each organism, and tips for proper identification. A handy resource for anglers, students, biologists, or anyone else spending time near rivers and streams.
A Guide to Common Freshwater Invertebrates of North America
This comprehensive field guide provides extensive background on the biology and ecology of freshwater environments and the invertebrates that thrive in them. Color plates and other identification information are provided for nearly 100 of the most common groups of invertebrates. The book also includes expanded descriptions of the life histories, behavior, and ecology of each invertebrate group.
Field Guide to Aquatic Macroinvertebrates
This handy reference tool is designed to help volunteer monitors identify aquatic macroinvertebrates when conducting water quality surveys. The laminated brochure is convenient and durable for outdoor use. The diagrams of the macroinvertebrate larvae and adults are grouped by biological type and display common features that characterize each animal. Available by request from IWLA.
Macroinvertebrate Identification Webinar
Watch our basic macroinvertebrate identification presentation presented by the Izaak Walton League below!
Identification Apps
Creek Critters
Released in collaboration with Nature Forward, this updated app includes step-by-step instructions on how to collect and identify macroinvertebrates. Available free for Apple and Android devices. Find it in the app store!
Aqua Bugs
Download Aqua Bugs for Apple or Android devices! This free, simple app uses a dichotomous key to help you identify bugs collected in the field. Search for it now in the app store!
Online Resources
- Macroinvertebrates.org
- Stroud Water Research Center on-line identification key
- West Virginia Save Our Streams keys and educational resources for macroinvertebrate identification
- Carnegie Museum of Natural History Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Collection
- Trout Nut photo library
One thought on “Macroinvertebrate ID Resources”
Comments are closed.