Hobbies And Interests
Scud
Scuds look like very small shrimp. They are also known as side swimmers as they frequently swim on their sides. These small bugs prefer shallow water. Scuds will swim on the water's surface or along the bottom. They eat plants and dead animals.
Water Penny
The water penny is an aquatic beetle. The larvae is found in fast flowing streams and rivers, as there is plenty of oxygen in the water. The adult water penny lives on rocks and vegetation found along the water. It eats algae found in the water.
Mayfly
Mayflies lay eggs in the water and the immature fly lives in the water and eats plant matter and other organic material. The immature mayfly will swim along the surface of the water or crawl over rocks near the water. Once the mayfly molts and produces wings, it will fly away and live for only a day or two. The entire life span of the mayfly is about a year with only two days out of the water. The mayfly is not considered a pest, as they rarely produce large enough swarms to be annoying to humans.
Stonefly
The stonefly lays its eggs in the water and can spend up to three years in the water in the nymph stage. When the fly reaches adulthood it will leave the water, though it does not stray too far from water. The stonefly needs oxygen to live and is only found in streams and rivers where there is a high oxygen content. The stonefly is a poor swimmer and will crawl along the bottom of the stream and look for food.
Giant Water Bug
The giant water bug is an aquatic insect that lives in ditches and ponds. The bug is attracted to light at night and is also known as the electric light bug. The bugs are predators and will bite humans. Three different types of giant water bugs are found in Florida. Pest management may be needed for giant water bugs, as they can be a nuisance.