Dancing dragonflies and speedy beetles – are they a reason to squeal in horror, or are they an important part of the pond ecosystem? Well, some might dislike them, but aquatic invertebrates are hugely important to the backyard pond.
Why are Aquatic Invertebrates Important to the Pond?
Dragonflies, damselflies, and diving beetles act as predators, keeping the ecological balance in the pond. Whirligig beetles are just plain fun to watch as they spin around, and they are another predator insect. Caddisflies are long, thin insects who make camouflaged homes where they hide and search the pond for algae. Pond insects are a sign that the pond is becoming a thriving ecosystem, and they also act as food for larger animals, such as frogs, fish, and herons. Observing these animals gives the pond gardener a deeper understanding of the ecology of the water garden.
Books to Identify Aquatic Life
Identify pond insects using field guides specific to the area. Choose a guide book with ink drawings and photos, if possible. Photos can help identify insects because they look closer to the real thing. However, tricks of the light and the color of the background can also make pond animals look very different than they do in real life. Pen and ink drawings are an excellent way to identify the body parts and the specific characteristics of each pond animal. For those looking for a guide that is easy to find, the Petersen First Guides are a good place to start. For those who would like a more advanced look into the lives of aquatic insects, Gilbert Waldbauer’s A Walk around the Pond: Insects in and over the Water (Harvard University Press, 2006) is a much more in depth examination of insect behavior.
Magnifying Pond Invertebrates
A bug box or a hand held magnifying glass is essential to identifying invertebrates in the water garden. A bug box is a simple, clear box with a magnifying glass installed on the lid. This case can be used to examine one animal in detail. A hand lens or magnifying glass is a good choice for those who would like to look at all of the aquatic invertebrates in a container or just under the surface of the water.
Collecting Aquatic Insects
There are many different kinds of equipment that one can use to collect aquatic insects. All of them are relatively inexpensive. Kitchen sieves can be purchased at the store and used for pond dipping. It’s also possible to buy dip nets that are designed for catching fast-moving insects, like predatory diving beetles. For animals that cling to rocks, the best solution is to buy or find a small container made out of white plastic, fill it halfway with water, and swish a rock or piece of debris in the water. The insects will come off in the container.
Design the Water Garden for Pond Dipping
Access is important when pond dipping, especially when small children are involved. Design the pond with a small step when those who are exploring the pond can sit. Make sure that there is an accessible path to the pond – one where wetland fringe vegetation won’t be trampled. This also prevents spills into the pond. Children should always be supervised as they explore for aquatic insects. Place a post next to the pond and add hooks so that nets, buckets, and magnifying glasses are always accessible.
Vegetation That Attracts Insects
Create a pond with diverse habitats that attracts an abundance of insects. Wetland vegetation at the edges provides good hiding places for animals who like shallow water and dense cover. A waterfall or other moving water attracts aquatic invertebrates that cling to rocks, like caddisflies.
Invertebrates are an essential part of the garden ecosystem, so it’s important to care for them. Be gentle. Although aquatic insects have hard exoskeletons, they can easily be damaged by rough handling. Return all finds to the pond, where they can breed and grow and create an even more diverse pond ecosystem.
 |
 |
