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Importance of Aquatic Insects

Aquatic insects, microscopic though some may be, are an integral part of the Earth's ecosystem. If a body of fresh water, large or small, sticks around for a week or so, chances are at least a few aquatic insects will make themselves at home in it. To those keeping watch, these tiny aquatic inhabitants are indicators of ecosystem health, and their presence -- or absence -- tells a story.

Aquatic Insects
- About 751,000 insect species have been identified so far, and many of those at least begin their lives in fresh water. Dragonflies, damselflies and other flies, bugs or beetles deposit their larvae in flowing or standing water. Once they have matured to a certain point, they leave the water and live the rest of their lives on land. Others, such as water beetles, live their entire lives in the water. The larvae of some species are programmed to burrow down into the wet mud if the water dries up, where they remain undeveloped, in a stasis or hibernating-type state, until water appears again.
Ecosystem Health
- The diverse ecosystem of the wetlands is important to land and water dwellers.
  
  The absence of aquatic insects in standing or fresh water, or the presence of dead or dying ones, is usually an indicator of the health of the water. Many species of aquatic insects are very sensitive to pollution and other environmental hazards. Scientists and researchers gain an idea of the health of the water by studying the effect of the water on insects that have little tolerance to pollution, as well as those that are less affected by it. Aquatic insects also perform various roles in ensuring a functioning freshwater ecosystem. Some help keep the water clear by filtering it, others aid in breaking down fallen, dead leaves, while yet others thin the algae, allowing the water to produce more oxygen.
Food Web
- The role of aquatic insects in food webs, particularly in wetlands, is of enormous importance. Mouthfuls of these aquatic dwellers, both larvae and adult, provide a nutritious meal to waterfowl, fish, shorebirds and other creatures. This food source is essential to the survival strategy of some fish, amphibians and other animals. Some aquatic insects are predators and in consuming their watery prey they help keep the insect population stable and functioning.
Toxicological Data
- Toxic runoff in the waterways can be harmful to insects, fish and people.
  
  Whether the toxin is unintentional agricultural runoff or the deliberate use of pesticides, aquatic insects provide useful data for scientists and researchers. This research helps provide information on the toxic effects on non-target species of pesticides aimed at mosquitoes and other pests. Various species of aquatic insects also are used in controlled environments and experiments to measure the effects of pollution.

Insects & Science