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MICROSCOPES
Lesson 5 - Page 3

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The Order Hemiptera includes the Water boatman which is totally aquatic.  Nymphs develop through 5 growth stages or instars.  Like all aquatic bugs they lack gills, so they need to breathe at the surface.  Most eat algae while some eat mosquito larva and other small aquatic organisms.

The Order Megaloptera are called alderflies.  Adults  are 10-70 mm with two pairs of wings held over their  body at rest.  Head has a long slender antennae and biting mouth parts.  The larva has a single tail filament with distinct hairs.  Segments of abdomen have 6 to 8 filaments on each side.  Not tolerant to pollution.

The  Order Odonata include the damselflies and dragonflies. Dragonfly are usually larger than damselflies and when they are at rest their wings are outspread compared the damselflies which are held back.  The damselflies  nymphs are elongated with three paddle-like tails with two large eyes on top of head.  Nymphs are carnivorous, feeding on other aquatic invertebrates.   The dragonfly nymphs are much more robust and have a funny looking head structure.