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Beetles, caddisflies, stoneflies, mayflies, hellgrammites, dragonflies, true flies, and some moths are among the groups of insects represented in streams. Macroinvertebrates are an important link in the food web between the producers (leaves, algae) and higher consumers such as fish.

Macroinvertebrates found in the streams of the Ohio River Valley include mussels, snails, worms and numer- ous insects. Macroinvertebrates live in the sand and mud, and on rocks, logs, sticks and vegetation in water bodies. The flow of water provides a steady stream of organic material on which the organisms can feed.

How Are Streams Monitored? Rivers and streams in the Ohio Scenic Rivers program are monitored regularly to ensure that the water quality remains high. They are monitored by collecting and counting small aquatic organisms (macroinvertebrates) such as insect larvae, crayfish and snails.

Macroinvertebrates are organisms that lack a spine and are large enough to be seen with the naked eye. Examples of macro- invertebrates include flatworms, crayfish, snails, clams and insects, such as dragonflies.

Divide the students into six groups: Dragonflies, Craneflies, Blackflies, Mayflies, Stoneflies, and Caddisflies.

Beetles, caddisflies, stoneflies, mayflies, hellgrammites, dragonflies, true flies, and some moths, crayfish, freshwater clams, and snails are all common macroinvertebrates.