Caddisflty Larvae

There are many species of Caddisfly, and therefore, the larvae will vary in appearance. On the left are "Netspinner" caddisfly larvae. Netspinners are more tolerant of pollution, and don't always provide an accurate assessment of the quality of the water.
They are greenish in color, and have a "frill" tail end.

The amber colored bugs on the right are the Fingernet Caddisfly larvae. Fingernet caddisfly are less tolerant of pollution, and are indicators of a healthier stream.

Caddisfly & Other Macros

Caddisfly larvae are gathered in this cube. There are also a few other species in here, including a beetle larvae (long thin brown critter)

A Water Penny, which is a beetle larvae, is dropped into the ice cube tray. The trays provide the perfect housing for the specimens, as they allow for grouping in small containers as we inventory.

Sorting out the macros with brushes

Some of the EIs begin to sort through, and lift the macros with the brushes for placement into the ice cube trays.

Jane and Kathy pick off more macros to place in the bucket for inventory.

Using the Brush

Emily carefully brushes the clusters of mixed materials, separating the living and non-living .

Captured on the Mesh

Captured on the mesh, the challenge begins to separate the macros from the leaf litter, sediment, and other materials found in the water.