Some common aquatic insects of the Connecticut River



Aquatic insects are an extremely important part of the ecosystem in any body of fresh water. From tiny, short-lived, vernal pools to large lakes and rivers, insects are often the dominant form of macroscopic life. The Connecticut River is no exception, and there is a large and interesting insect community in the river that most people never see. In this aquatic habitat, insects and microbes break down the organic detritus that is constantly being deposited in the river, and thus form the basis for the river's food chain. This food chain culminates with the magnificent predators at the top, including the Bald Eagle and, historically, the Altantic Salmon. What follows is some specific information about insects that live in the Connecticut River. For more general information about North American aquatic insects, click on this sentence.

  • An Axarus species midge that lives in the varve clays of the river

    • Here are some references that should help identify many insects or other invertebrates found in the river:

    Merritt, R. W. and K. W. Cummins. 1996. An Introduction to the Aquatic Insects of North America. Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company, Dubuque Iowa.

    Peckarsky, B. L., P. R. Fraissinet, M. A. Penton and D. J. Conklin, Jr. 1990. Freshwater Macroinvertebrates of Northeastern North America. Cornell University Press, Ithaca, NY.

    Pennak, R. W. 1989. Fresh-water Invertebrates of the United States; Protozoa to Mollusca, 3rd Edition. New York: John Wiley and Sons, Inc.

    Resh, V. H. and D. M. Rosenberg. 1984. The Ecology of Aquatic Insects. Praeger, New York.

    Smith, Douglas G. 1995. Keys to the Freshwater Macroinvertebrates of Massachusetts. Published by D. G. Smith, Amherst, MA. Note: this book can be ordered for the very reasonable price of $22.50, shipping included (Mass. residents should also add 5% sales tax). If interested contact Doug Smith at (413)-545-1956.

    Thorpe, J. H. and A. P. Covich (Eds.). 1991. Ecology and Classification of North American Freshwater Invertebrates. New York: Academic Press, Inc.