Mosquito netting helps Washington State campers avoid aquatic insects that bite.
Just like other aquatic insects, aquatic insects in the state of Washington begin life under water. Adult females lay their eggs in streams, lakes and ponds throughout the state where the larvae remain until they fully develop. The insects fly away with newly formed wings but they don't go far. When it's time for reproduction, the females return to the water to lay their eggs and cycle begins again.
Waterbugs
Appropriately named, waterbugs have a body designed for swimming: short legs in front and oar-like hind legs on a flat body. They range in size from the tiny velvet waterbug which is 1 to 2 mm long to the giant water bug which can grow as long as 2 to 3 inches.
True Flies
Thirty-two types of true flies thrive in Washington including the pesky insects that annoy campers: midges and mosquitoes. Midges begin to hatch in January and continue to hatch sporadically through December. Although mosquitoes are not as prevalent in Washington, they can be dangerous. The Washington State Department of Health has set up a program to monitor mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus, a potentially serious or even fatal disease.
Caddisflies
Caddisflies eat leaves and twigs that they shred into tiny pieces. They are found in slow-moving streams where they have a better chance of finding organic debris. Caddisflies are at their peak May through July, however, a second burst of caddisflies appears in October when Great Orange caddisflies emerge from the pupa stage.
Stoneflies
An environmental program in King County, Washington, monitors the presence of stoneflies in streams. Their presence indicates healthy water because stoneflies are pollution intolerant. They require a steady supply of cool water high in oxygen. The Giant Salmonfly, the largest stonefly found in Washington, can grow as long as 3 inches.
Mayflies
Surprisingly, not all mayflies appear in the month of May. For example, Margaret's Mayfly shows up in August and is gone by early September. Mayflies grow more than one tail. Some, including Margaret's Mayfly, have as many as three tails. Mayflies live near Washington's clean, fast-moving water such as the Yakima River.
Dragonflies and Damselflies
These two closely related insects are suborders within the order odonata. Similar in appearance, both have large eyes and four wings; the damselfly has a more slender body than the dragonfly. Voracious eaters, they attack and consume mosquitoes and bees.
Tags: aquatic insects, grow long, grow long inches, insects that, long inches, Margaret Mayfly