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Species list

Mayflies

[Siphlaenigma]. Image: Stephen Moore

Swimming mayfly (Siphlaenigma)

[Siphlaenigma] mayfly nymphs have a torpedo-like body form, and look like small delicate [Nesameletus], but unlike [Nesameletus] they hav...

[Rallidens]. Image: Stephen Moore

Swimming mayfly (Rallidens)

[Rallidens] mayfly nymphs have a torpedo-like body form, fringed caudal filaments (“tails”), short antennae and double abdominal gills (t...

[Oniscigaster]. Image: Stephen Moore

Swimming mayfly (Oniscigaster)

[Oniscigaster] mayfly nymphs have a torpedo-like body form, fringed caudal filaments (“tails”), large spines along the sides and top of t...

[Nesameletus]. Image: Stephen Moore

Swimming mayfly (Nesameletus)

[Nesameletus] mayfly nymphs have a torpedo-like body form, fringed caudal filaments (“tails”), short antennae and single leaf-like abdomi...

[Ameletopsis]. Image: Stephen Moore

Swimming mayfly (Ameletopsis)

[Ameletopsis] mayfly nymphs have a wide, skull-like head, and their caudal filaments (“tails”) are fringed on each side.

[Coloburiscus]. Image: Stephen Moore

Spiny gilled mayfly (Coloburiscus)

[Coloburiscus] mayfly nymphs are easily distinguished by the cactus-like gills covering the top of the abdomen. The front and mid legs ar...

[Deleatidium]. Image: Stephen Moore

Single gill mayfly (Deleatidium)

[Deleatidium] mayfly nymphs have a flattened body form, single leaf-like gills and a wide labrum (top “lip”).

[Acanthophlebia]. Image: Stephen Moore

Orange mayfly (Acanthophlebia)

[Acanthophlebia] mayfly nymphs have a flattened body form, large double leaf-like gills, large abdominal spines and a general orange-brow...

[Isothraulus]. Image: Stephen Moore

Fringe gilled mayfly (Isothraulus)

[Isothraulus] mayfly nymphs have a flattened body form, and the double gills are extensively fringed.

[Zephlebia]. Image: D Towns

Double gill mayfly (Zephlebia)

[Zephlebia] mayfly nymphs have a flattened body form, sharp spines on some abdominal segments, and double abdominal gills. There are nume...

[Tepakia]. Image: Stephen Moore

Double gill mayfly (Tepakia)

[Tepakia] mayfly nymphs have a flattened body form, with “M” shaped patterning on the abdominal segments. The double gills are leaf-like,...

[Neozephlebia]. Image: Stephen Moore

Double gill mayfly (Neozephlebia)

[Neozephlebia] mayfly nymphs have a flattened body form, a long oval abdomen and very slender double gills.

[Mauiulus]. Image: Stephen Moore

Double gill mayfly (Mauiulus)

[Mauiulus] mayfly nymphs have a flattened body form, slender double gills and no sharp abdominal spines. The prothorax (segment immediate...

[Austronella]. Image: Stephen Moore

Double gill mayfly (Austronella)

[Austronella] mayfly nymphs have a flattened body form, with generally pale colouring, and slender double gills. The prothorax (segment i...

[Austroclima]. Image: Stephen Moore

Double gill mayfly (Austroclima)

[Austroclima] mayfly nymphs have a flattened body form, with generally dark brown colouring, double gills, and no sharp spines on the abd...

[Aupouriella]. Image: Stephen Moore

Double gill mayfly (Aupouriella)

[Aupouriella] mayfly nymphs are very delicate as the abdomen, legs and double gills are all slender. The abdomen has striking dark markin...

[Atalophlebioides]. Image: Stephen Moore

Double gill mayfly (Atalophlebioides)

[Atalophlebioides] mayfly nymphs have a flattened body form, double gills and a wide labrum (top “lip”).

[Arachnocolus]. Image: Stephen Moore

Double gill mayfly (Arachnocolus)

[Arachnocolus] mayfly nymphs have double gills, long thin legs (particularly the femur and tibia), and a generally pale body colour.

[Ichthybotus]. Image: Stephen Moore

Burrowing mayfly (Ichthybotus)

[Ichthybotus] mayfly nymphs have delicate slender bodies, feather-like gills, fringed caudal filaments (“tails”) and tusk-like mandibles ...

Stoneflies

[Spaniocercoides]. Image: Stephen Moore

Stonefly (Spaniocercoides)

[Spaniocercoides] stonefly nymphs have no gills between the cerci (“tails”), and no hair fringe around the pronotum (first segment behind...

[Zelandoperla]. Image: Stephen Moore

Stonefly (Zelandoperla)

[Zelandoperla] stonefly nymphs have a rosette of anal gills between the cerci (“tails”). The antennae and cerci are long in relation to t...

[Zelandobius]. Image: Stephen Moore

Stonefly (Zelandobius)

[Zelandobius] stonefly nymphs have a rosette of anal gills between the cerci (“tails”). There are several species but they tend to be a u...

[Taraperla]. Image: Stephen Moore

Stonefly (Taraperla)

[Taraperla] stonefly nymphs are relatively small, with a rosette of anal gills between the cerci (“tails”). The posterior edges of the th...

[Spaniocerca]. Image: Stephen Moore

Stonefly (Spaniocerca)

[Spaniocerca] stonefly nymphs have no gills between the cerci (“tails”), they have a hair fringe around the pronotum (first segment behin...

[Nesoperla]. Image: Stephen Moore

Stonefly (Nesoperla)

[Nesoperla] stonefly nymphs are among the gripopterygids that have a rosette of anal gills between the cerci (“tails”). The abdominal seg...

[Megaleptoperla]. Image: Stephen Moore

Stonefly (Megaleptoperla)

[Megaleptoperla] stonefly nymphs are larger than most aquatic insects. They have a rosette of anal gills between the cerci (“tails”). Und...

[Holcoperla]. Image: Stephen Moore

Stonefly (Holcoperla)

[Holcoperla] is the largest of New Zealand’s stoneflies. They have a blotchy abdomen and anal gills between the cerci (“tails”) but thes...

[Halticoperla]. Image: Stephen Moore

Stonefly (Halticoperla)

[Halticoperla] stonefly nymphs have no gills between the cerci (“tails”), a more rounded pronotum (first segment behind the head) than ot...

[Cristaperla]. Image: Stephen Moore

Stonefly (Cristaperla)

[Cristaperla] stonefly nymphs have no gills between the cerci (“tails”), and they have a fringe of hairs right around the pronotum (first...

[Austroperla]. Image: Stephen Moore

Stonefly (Austroperla)

[Austroperla] stonefly nymphs are easily recognised by the presence of three tubular gills between the cerci (“tails”).

[Acroperla]. Image: Stephen Moore

Stonefly (Acroperla)

[Acroperla] stonefly nymphs are relatively small, with a rosette of anal gills between the cerci (“tails”). They have pale spots on the l...

[Stenoperla]. Image: Stephen Moore

Green stonefly (Stenoperla)

[Stenoperla] stonefly nymphs are usually strongly green coloured, and they have pale tentacle-like gills along the sides of the abdomen u...

Cased caddisflies

[Kokiria]. Image: Stephen Moore

Kokiria caddisfly (Kokiriidae)

[Kokiria] caddis larvae construct mobile cases out of fine sand grains. The case is a tube, but the dorsal (upper) surface is expanded t...

[Pycnocentrodes]. Image: Stephen Moore

Stony cased caddis (Pycnocentrodes)

[Pycnocentrodes] caddis larvae construct mobile cases covered in sand grains and small stones. The top of their head is much flatter than...

[Philorheithrus]. Image: Stephen Moore

Stony cased caddis (Philorheithrus)

[Philorheithrus] caddis larvae construct robust cases made of coarse sand grains. Each of the three thoracic segments have hard (“sclerot...

[Rakiura]. Image: Stephen Moore

Spiral cased caddis (Rakiura)

[Rakiura] caddis larvae construct a small mobile case made of sand grains arranged in a spiral. Unlike the related [Helicopsyche], [Rakiu...

[Oeconesus]. Image: Stephen Moore

Stony cased caddis (Oeconesus)

[Oeconesus] caddis larvae construct mobile cases with coarse sand grains. They have a circular head with a relatively flat top circled by...

[Triplectidina]. Image: Stephen Moore

Stick caddis (Triplectidina)

[Triplectidina] caddis larvae construct mobile cases out of plant fragments such as small bits of bark and seeds. They are very similar i...

[Triplectides]. Image: Stephen Moore

Stick caddis (Triplectides)

[Triplectides] caddis larvae construct mobile cases primarily out of plant matter, but they also occasionally use stones or the cases of ...

[Helicopsyche]. Image: Stephen Moore

Spiral cased caddis (Helicopsyche)

[Helicopsyche] caddis larvae construct a small mobile case made of sand grains arranged in a spiral. At first glance they might be mistak...

[Olinga]. Image: Stephen Moore

Smooth cased caddis (Olinga)

[Olinga] caddis larvae construct smooth mobile cases that lack sand grains (except sometimes in small/young individuals). The aperture of...

[Confluens]. Image: Stephen Moore

Smooth cased caddis (Confluens)

[Confluens] caddis larvae construct a smooth mobile case with no covering of sand grains. The front edge of the pronotum (first segment b...

[Beraeoptera]. Image: Stephen Moore

Smooth cased caddis (Beraeoptera)

[Beraeoptera] caddis larvae construct a mobile case that is largely or entirely uncovered by sand grains. The aperture (opening) is stron...

[Zelolessica]. Image: Stephen Moore

Sandy cased caddis (Zelolessica)

[Zelolessica] caddis larvae construct mobile cases of sand grains, sometimes mixed with plant fragments. The tail end of the case is angl...

[Pycnocentria]. Image Stephen Moore

Sandy cased caddis (Pycnocentria)

[Pycnocentria] caddis larvae construct mobile cases covered (usually) in fine sand grains. Their orange-brown heads are rounded on top (n...

[Pycnocentrella]. Image: Stephen Moore

Sandy cased caddis (Pycnocentrella)

[Pycnocentrella] caddis larvae construct mobile cases covered in sand grains. They look much like the more common [Pycnocentria], but [Py...

[Oecetis]. Image: Stephen Moore

Sandy cased caddis (Oecetis)

[Oecetis] caddis larvae construct delicate mobile cases made of sand grains. They have a pale head with dark speckles, and their hind leg...

[Paroxyethira]. Image: Stephen Moore

Purse caddis (Paroxyethira)

[Paroxyethira] caddis larvae construct small, transparent, mobile cases shaped like a purse (hence the common name “purse caddis”). Each ...

[Hudsonema alienum]. Image: Stephen Moore

Cased caddisfly (Hudsonema)

[Hudsonema] caddis larvae construct long, slender mobile cases made of plant fragments or sand grains. [Hudsonema alienum] arranges recta...

[Zelandopsyche]. Image: Stephen Moore

Cased caddis (Zelandopsyche)

[Zelandopsyche] caddis larvae construct robust mobile cases using small plant fragments (typically fine wood fragments). They have a circ...

[Pseudoeconesus]. Image: Stephen Moore

Cased caddis (Pseudoeconesus)

[Pseudoeconesus] caddis larvae construct messy mobile cases with shredded leaf litter. They have a circular head with a relatively flat t...

[Alloecentrella]. Image: Stephen Moore

Cased caddis (Alloecentrella)

[Alloecentrella] caddis larvae construct a mobile case covered in bits of moss or liverwort. The opening at the tail end of the case is l...

[Oxyethira]. Image: Stephen Moore

Axehead caddis (Oxyethira)

[Oxyethira] caddis larvae construct small, transparent, mobile cases shaped like an axe-head (hence the common name “axe-head caddis”). E...

Uncased caddisflies

[Polyplectropus]. Image: Stephen Moore

Free-living caddis (Polyplectropus)

[Polyplectropus] caddis larvae have no mobile case, no chelae (pincers) and they have a distinctly speckled head pattern. The head patter...

[Orthopsyche]. Image: Stephen Moore

Net-building caddis (Orthopsyche)

Hydropsychid caddis larvae have hardened (sclerotised) plates on each of the 3 thoracic segments, and gill tufts under the abdomen. [Orth...

[Diplectrona]. Image: Stephen Moore

Net-building caddis (Diplectrona)

Hydropsychid caddis larvae have hardened (sclerotised) plates on each of the 3 thoracic segments, and gill tufts under the abdomen. [Dipl...

[Aoteapsyche]. Image: Stephen Moore

Net-building caddis (Aoteapsyche)

Hydropsychid caddis larvae have hardened (sclerotised) plates on each of the 3 thoracic segments, and gill tufts under the abdomen. [Aote...

[Zelandoptila]. Image: Stephen Moore

Free-living caddis (Zelandoptila)

The ecnomid caddisfly larvae have hardening (sclerotisation) on each of the 3 thoracic segments. Unlike the hydropsychids, there are no g...

[Tiphobiosis]. Image: Stephen Moore

Free-living caddis (Tiphobiosis)

The New Zealand hydrobiosid caddis larvae have chelae (‘pincers”) on their forelegs. [Tiphobiosis] larvae have unusually short legs, smal...

[Psilochorema]. Image: Stephen Moore

Free-living caddis (Psilochorema)

The New Zealand hydrobiosid caddis larvae have pincers on their forelegs. [Psilochorema] larvae tend to have a long, slender body, protho...

[Neurochorema]. Image: Stephen Moore

Free-living caddis (Neurochorema)

The New Zealand hydrobiosid caddis larvae have pincers on their forelegs. [Neurochorema] larvae tend to have a relatively small head with...

[Plectrocnemia]. Image: Stephen Moore

Free-living caddis (Plectrocnemia)

[Plectrocnemia] caddis larvae have no mobile case, no chelae (pincers) and they have a speckled head pattern. There is a curved line of s...

[Hydrochorema]. Image: Stephen Moore

Free-living caddis (Hydrochorema)

The New Zealand hydrobiosid caddis larvae have pincers on their forelegs. [Hydrochorema] larvae have a long white body and smallish orang...

[Hydrobiosis centralis]. Image: Stephen Moore

Free-living caddis (Hydrobiosis)

The New Zealand hydrobiosid caddis larvae have pincers on their forelegs. Several of the common hydrobiosid species belong to the genus [...

[Hydrobiosella]. Image: Stephen Moore

Free-living caddis (Hydrobiosella)

[Hydrobiosella] caddisfly larvae have a pale body with orange head and prothorax (first segment behind the head). The hind edge of the pr...

[Edpercivalia]. Image: Stephen Moore

Free-living caddis (Edpercivalia)

The New Zealand hydrobiosid caddis larvae have pincers on their forelegs. [Edpercivalia] larvae are best recognised by the shape and colo...

[Ecnomina]. Image: Stephen Moore

Free-living caddis (Ecnomina)

The ecnomid caddisfly larvae have at least some hardening (sclerotisation) on each of the 3 thoracic segments. Unlike the hydropsychids, ...

[Costachorema]. Image: Stephen Moore

Free-living caddis (Costachorema)

The New Zealand hydrobiosid caddis larvae have pincers on their forelegs. [Costachorema] larvae are often first recognised by the extensi...

Damselflies and dragonflies

[Diplacodes]. Image: Stephen Moore

Wandering percher (Diplacodes)

[Diplacodes] dragonfly larvae are best recognised by the protruding eyes, and the lack of any obvious “teeth” on the labial palps (jaw-li...

[Ischnura]. Image: Stephen Moore

Small damselfly (Ischnura)

[Ischnura] damselfly larvae are smaller than [Xanthocnemis] or [Austrolestes], and have pointed tail gills with very short hairs near the...

[Xanthocnemis]. Image: Stephen Moore

Red damselfly (Xanthocnemis)

[Xanthocnemis] damselfly larvae are easily distinguished by the pointed tail gills with long hairs near the tip.

[Tramea]. Image: Stephen Moore

Dragonfly (Tramea)

[Tramea] dragonfly larvae are best recognised by the very large spines at the end of the abdomen (there are no spines on the dorsal surfa...

[Procordulia]. Image: Stephen Moore

Dragonfly (Procordulia)

[Procordulia] dragonfly larvae have a longer abdomen than [Hemicordulia] as the abdomen tapers more gradually towards the end. The abdome...

[Hemicordulia]. Image: Stephen Moore

Dragonfly (Hemicordulia)

[Hemicordulia] dragonfly larvae have a wide abdomen that appears to end abruptly (rather than gradually tapering to a point). There are n...

[Antipodochlora]. Image: Stephen Moore

Dragonfly (Antipodochlora)

[Antipodochlora] dragonfly larvae have a wide abdomen, with obvious spines along the midline of the dorsal (top) surface. The labial palp...

[Uropetala]. Image: Stephen Moore

Bush dragonfly (Uropetala)

[Uropetala] is a large dragonfly having a large larva with a long abdomen. The larvae appear heavily armoured (though without spines) and...

[Aeshna]. Image: Stephen Moore

Blue-spotted hawker (Aeshna)

[Aeshna] dragonfly larvae have a long abdomen, large eyes and the mouthparts lie flat under the head. There are spines on the sides of th...

[Austrolestes]. Image: Stephen Moore

Blue damselfly (Austrolestes)

[Austrolestes] damselfly larvae have long slender legs, a slender abdomen, and the tail gills have rounded tips with no long hairs. The a...

[Hemianax]. Image: Stephen Moore

Baron dragonfly (Hemianax)

[Hemianax] dragonfly larvae have a long green abdomen, large eyes and the mouthparts lie flat under the head. There are spines on the sid...

Adult beetles

Water scavenger beetle (Hydrophilidae) adult. Image: Stephen Moore

Water scavenger beetle (Hydrophilidae)

Hydrophilid beetles (or water scavenger beetles) have larvae with soft abdomens that may be covered in bumps or long gills (see [Berosus]...

Rove beetles (Staphylinidae). Image: Stephen Moore

Rove beetles (Staphylinidae)

New Zealand staphylinids are largely terrestrial, but the adults often live along stream margins and can be collected in stream samples. ...

Riffle beetle (Elmidae) adult. Image: Stephen Moore

Riffle beetles (Elmidae)

Elmids are small beetles with long, slender, mealworm-like larvae. The larvae have retractile hooks and gill tufts under the last (9th) a...

Moss beetle (Hydraenidae). Image: Stephen Moore

Moss beetles (Hydraenidae)

Hydraenids are tiny beetles; the adults being less than 3mm long. The larvae are primarily terrestrial and are rarely recorded in streams...

[Hyphydrus]. Image: Stephen Moore

Diving beetle (Hyphydrus)

[Hyphydrus] is one of the dytiscid “diving beetles” having larvae and adults that are active swimmers. The larvae have a spoon-like “nose...

[Antiporus]. Image: Stephen Moore

Diving beetle (Antiporus)

[Antiporus] is one of the dytiscid “diving beetles” having larvae and adults that are active swimmers. The larvae have a spoon-like “nose...

[Gyrinus]. Image: Stephen Moore

Whirlygig beetle (Gyrinus)

[Gyrinus] is known as the “Whirlygig beetle” which reflects the chaotic swimming motion of the adults on the water surface. The streamlin...

[Limnoxenus] adult. Image: Stephen Moore

Water scavenger beetle (Limnoxenus)

[Limnoxenus] is a large hydrophilid beetle with adults 9mm in length (much larger than most NZ freshwater species). The underside of the ...

[Laccobius]. Image: Stephen Moore

Water scavenger beetle (Laccobius)

[Laccobius] is a hydrophilid beetle with a larva that has asymetrical mandibles (the two sickle-like jaws are not the same shape). The ad...

[Berosus]. Image: Stephen Moore

Water scavenger beetle (Berosus)

[Berosus] is a hydrophilid beetle with an easily recognised larva that has tentacle-like gills along the abdomen. As in other hydrophilid...

[Rhantus] adult. Image: Stephen Moore

Diving beetle (Rhantus)

[Rhantus] is one of the dytiscid “diving beetles” having larvae and adults that are active swimmers. The larvae lack any nose-like projec...

[Onychohydrus]. Image: Stephen Moore

Diving beetle (Onychohydrus)

[Onychohydrus] is a dytiscid “diving beetle” with very large larvae (up to 50mm) and adults that are active swimmers. The larvae have a d...

[Liodessus]. Image: Stephen Moore

Diving beetle (Liodessus)

[Liodessus] is one of the dytiscid “diving beetles” having larvae and adults that are active swimmers. The larvae have a short cone-like ...

[Lancetes] adult with strong yellow and black striping. Image: Stephen Moore

Diving beetle (Lancetes)

[Lancetes] is one of the dytiscid “diving beetles” having larvae (which we haven’t managed to photograph yet) resembling those of [Rhantu...

Adult Alligator weed flea beetle [Agasciles]. Image: Stephen Moore

Alligator weed flea beetle (Agasciles)

[Agasciles] is a beetle with a grub-like larva, having short legs and a large soft abdomen. The adults have a body shape similar to many ...

Larval beetles

Water scavenger beetle (Hydrophilidae) larva. Image: Stephen Moore

Water scavenger beetle (Hydrophilidae)

Hydrophilid beetles (or water scavenger beetles) have larvae with soft abdomens that may be covered in bumps or long gills (see [Berosus]...

Toe-winged beetle (Ptilodactylidae) larva. Image: Stephen Moore

Toe-winged beetles (Ptilodactylidae)

Ptilodactylids are beetles with long, mealworm-like larvae that live in streams, but the adults are terrestrial. The larvae have a simila...

Riffle beetle (Elmidae) larva. Image: Stephen Moore

Riffle beetles (Elmidae)

Elmids are small beetles with long, slender, mealworm-like larvae. The larvae have retractile hooks and gill tufts under the last (9th) a...

Marsh beetle (Scirtidae) larva. Image: Stephen Moore

Marsh beetles (Scirtidae)

Scirtids are beetles with aquatic larvae and terrestrial adults. The larvae may have an elongated (almost elmid-like) body form, or they ...

[Gyrinus] larva. Image: Stephen Moore

Whirlygig beetle (Gyrinus)

[Gyrinus] is known as the “Whirlygig beetle” which reflects the chaotic swimming motion of the adults on the water surface. The streamlin...

[Berosus] larva. Image: Stephen Moore

Water scavenger beetle (Berosus)

[Berosus] is a hydrophilid beetle with an easily recognised larva that has tentacle-like gills along the abdomen. As in other hydrophilid...

[Rhantus] larva. Image: Stephen Moore

Diving beetle (Rhantus)

[Rhantus] is one of the dytiscid “diving beetles” having larvae and adults that are active swimmers. The larvae lack any nose-like projec...

[Onychohydrus] larva. Image: Stephen Moore

Diving beetle (Onychohydrus)

[Onychohydrus] is a dytiscid “diving beetle” with very large larvae (up to 50mm) and adults that are active swimmers. The larvae have a d...

[Liodessus] larva. Image: Stephen Moore

Diving beetle (Liodessus)

[Liodessus] is one of the dytiscid “diving beetles” having larvae and adults that are active swimmers. The larvae have a short cone-like ...

[Hyphydrus] larva. Image: Stephen Moore

Diving beetle (Hyphydrus)

[Hyphydrus] is one of the dytiscid “diving beetles” having larvae and adults that are active swimmers. The larvae have a spoon-like “nose...

[Antiporus] larva. Image: Stephen Moore

Diving beetle (Antiporus)

[Antiporus] is one of the dytiscid “diving beetles” having larvae and adults that are active swimmers. The larvae have a spoon-like “nose...

Larva of the Alligator weed flea beetle [Agasciles]. Image: Stephen Moore

Alligator weed flea beetle (Agasciles)

[Agasciles] is a beetle with a grub-like larva, having short legs and a large soft abdomen. The adults have a body shape similar to many ...

Midges

Thaumaleidae larva. Image: Stephen Moore

Solitary midges (Thaumaleidae)

The Thaumaleidae is a little known family of true flies with freshwater larvae. They resemble chironomid midges, but the prolegs at each ...

Blepharicerid larva. Image: Stephen Moore

Net wing midge (Blephariceridae)

The Blephariceridae (or “net wing midges”) have larvae that are unlikely to be confused with any other aquatic insects. They have an almo...

[Paradixa]. Image: Stephen Moore

Dixid midge (Paradixa)

[Paradixa] is a member of the dixid midge family. The dixids have small, worm-like larvae that are often bent into a U-shape when live. T...

[Nothodixa]. Image: Stephen Moore

Dixid midge (Nothodixa)

[Nothodixa] is a member of the dixid midge family. The dixids have small, worm-like larvae that are often bent into a U-shape when live. ...

Tanytarsini larva. Image: Stephen Moore

Chironomid midge (Tanytarsini)

The Tanytarsini is a tribe of midges within the Chironomini subfamily of chironomid midges. Like other chironomids the general body form ...

Tanypod larva. Image: Stephen Moore

Chironomid midge (Tanypodinae)

The Tanypodinae is a subfamily of chironomid midges. Like other chironomids the general body form is worm-like, but with a distinct head,...

[Stictocladius] larvae. Image: Stephen Moore

Chironomid midge (Stictocladius)

[Stictocladius] is one of the Orthocladiinae subfamily of the Chironomid midges. Like other chironomids the general body form is worm-lik...

[Polypedilum] larvae. Image: Stephen Moore

Chironomid midge (Polypedilum)

[Polypedilum] is a commonly occurring member of the Chironomini subfamily of chironomid midges. Like other chironomids the general body f...

Podonominae larvae. Image: Stephen Moore

Chironomid midge (Podonominae)

The Podonominae is a subfamily of chironomid midges. Like other chironomids the general body form is worm-like, but with a distinct head,...

[Paucispinigera]. Image: Stephen Moore

Chironomid midge (Paucispinigera)

[Paucispinigera] is one of our lesser known members of the Chironomini subfamily of chironomid midges. Like other chironomids the general...

[Orthoclad] midge emerging from silt tube. Image: Stephen Moore.

Chironomid midge (Orthoclad)

The Orthocladiinae is a large subfamily of the Chironomid midges. Like other chironomids the general body form is worm-like, but with a d...

[Maoridiamesa]. Image: Stephen Moore

Chironomid midge (Maoridiamesa)

[Maoridiamesa] is the most common member of the Diamesinae, a subfamily of the Chironomidae. Like other chironomids the general body form...

[Lobodiamesa]. Image: Stephen Moore

Chironomid midge (Lobodiamesa)

[Lobodiamesa] is a member of the Diamesinae, a subfamily of the Chironomidae. Like other chironomids the general body form is worm-like, ...

[Harrisius]. Image: Stephen Moore

Chironomid midge (Harrisius)

[Harrisius] is one of the Chironomini subfamily of the Chironomidae. Like other chironomids the general body form is worm-like, but with ...

[Eukiefferiella]. Image: Stephen Moore

Chironomid midge (Eukiefferiella)

[Eukiefferiella] is a genus within the orthoclad subfamily of the Chironomidae. Like other chironomids the general body form is worm-like...

[Corynoneura]. Image: Stephen Moore

Chironomid midge (Corynoneura)

[Corynoneura] is a small, easily overlooked midge, belonging to the orthoclad subfamily of the Chironomidae. Like other chironomids the g...

Midge [Chironomus]. Image: Stephen Moore

Chironomid midge (Chironomus)

[Chiromonus] is one of our best known midges, with larvae commonly referred to as “blood worms” due to their vivid red colour (when live)...

Forcipomyid larva. Image: Stephen Moore

Biting midge (Forcipomyiinae)

The Forcipomyiinae is a subfamily of the Ceratopogonidae, with larvae that look very different to other freshwater ceratopogonids. Forcip...

Ceratopogonid larvae. Image: Stephen Moore

Biting midge (Ceratopogonidae)

The most common ceratopogonid larvae occurring in fresh waters are probably often overlooked because they are small and needle-like, with...

Other true flies

Soldier fly (Stratiomyidae) larva. Image: Stephen Moore

Soldier fly (Stratiomyidae)

Stratiomyid fly larvae have a long leathery body, a non-retractile head and a rosette of hairs at the end of the abdomen. In some specime...

Wood gnat (Anisopodidae) larva. Image: Stephen Moore

Wood gnat (Anisopodidae)

Anisopodid flies (also known as “wood gnats”) have larvae that superficially resemble ceratopogonid or chironomid larvae, but they have a...

Shore fly [Ephydridae] larva. Image: Stephen Moore

Shore flies (Ephydridae)

The ephydrids (“shore flies”) are among the less common true flies in our fresh waters. Their larvae have a maggot-like body with a velve...

Sandfly ([Austrosimulium]) larva. Image: Stephen Moore

Sandfly or black fly (Austrosimulium)

[Austrosimulium] is a member of the simuliid blackfly (commonly called “sandfly”) family. They have small larvae characterised by a bulbo...

Rat tail maggot (Syrphidae) larva. Image: Stephen Moore

Rat tail maggots (Syrphidae)

The syrphid larva has a maggot-like body with a long tail-like breathing tube.

[Mischoderus] late instar larva with tail filaments. Image: Stephen Moore

Primitive cranefly (Mischoderus)

[Mischoderus] is a primitive cranefly in the family Tanyderidae. The larva differs from tipulid cranefly larvae in that the head is not r...

Pelecorhynchid fly (Pelecorhynchidae) larvae. Image: Stephen Moore

Pelecorhynchid flies (Pelecorhynchidae)

The pelecorhynchids are among the rarely recorded fly families in New Zealand. Their larvae are long and slender with a smooth and shiny ...

Moth fly (Psychodidae) larva. Image: Stephen Moore

Moth fly (Psychodidae)

Psychodid flies have small larvae that are easily distinguished by the combination of a non-retractile head, a respiratory siphon at the ...

Mosquito (Culicidae) larva. Image: Stephen Moore

Mosquito (Culicidae)

The culicids are the well-known mosquitos with biting adults. Their swimming larvae are distinguished from other true flies by their wide...

[Coquillettidia] larva. Image: Stephen Moore

Mosquito (Coquillettidia)

Like other culicids [Coquillettidia] mosquito larvae have a wide thorax (the widest part of the body) and a breathing siphon at the end o...

Marsh fly (Sciomyzidae) larva. Image: Stephen Moore

Marsh flies (Sciomyzidae)

The Sciomyzidae is another one of the less common families of true flies in our fresh waters. Their larvae are maggot-like, but the body ...

Long legged fly (Dolichopodidae) larva. Image: Stephen Moore

Long legged flies (Dolichopodidae)

The dolichopodid flies are not well known in New Zealand fresh waters. Their aquatic larvae may be mistaken for empidids as they are smal...

House fly (Muscidae) larva (pale) and yellow pupa. Image: Stephen Moore

House fly (Muscidae)

The muscid flies have a range of larval forms depending on the species. Some are simple maggot-like forms lacking any conspicuous structu...

Horse fly (Tabanidae) larva. Image: Stephen Moore

Horse flies (Tabanidae)

The Tabanidae is another one of the less common families of true flies in our fresh waters. Their larvae resemble those of craneflies, bu...

Dance fly (Empididae) larvae. Image; Stephen Moore

Dance fly (Empididae)

The empidid flies are common in many New Zealand streams, but they can be easily overlooked due to their small size. There are different ...

Snails

Apple snail (Ampullariidae). Image: Stephen Moore

Apple snails (Ampullariidae)

The ampullariid snails are not native to New Zealand, but they have been introduced through the aquarium and aquatic plant trades. They h...

[Melanoides]. Image: Stephen Moore

Trumpet snail (Melanoides)

[Melanoides] is an introduced snail commonly kept in tropical aquaria, but it has also been found in geothermally heated streams in the c...

[Zemelanopsis]. Image: Stephen Moore

Snail (Zemelanopsis)

[Zemelanopsis] (formerly [Melanopsis]) is a native snail that is usually found in estuaries or in streams near the coast. They are bullet...

[Pseudosuccinea]. Image: Stephen Moore

Snail (Pseudosuccinea)

[Pseudosuccinea] is one of the introduced lymnaeid snails now common in many parts of New Zealand. The lymnaeids lack an operculum (prote...

[Planorbella]. Image: Stephen Moore

Snail (Planorbella)

[Planorbella] is an introduced snail with a thin and fragile shell that looks as though the spire (or pointed end) has been chopped off. ...

[Planorbarius]. Image: Stephen Moore

Snail (Planorbarius)

[Planorbarius] is an introduced snail with a shell coiled in a “planispiral” way that produces no obvious spire or pointed end. The shell...

[Physa]. Image: Stephen Moore

Snail (Physa)

[Physa] is a very common introduced snail. They are small, oval, thin-shelled, and they lack any rings of nodules or shouldering around t...

[Lymnaea]. Image: Stephen Moore

Snail (Lymnaea)

A few species of [Lymnaea] snails have been introduced to New Zealand fresh waters, sometimes accidentally with aquatic plants and someti...

[Leptopyrgus tainui]. Image: Stephen Moore

Snail (Leptopyrgus)

[Leptopyrgus] is a tiny snail, only about 2mm long. The shell shape is similar to the related [Potamopyrgus], and there is an operculum (...

[Halopyrgus]. Image: Stephen Moore

Snail (Halopyrgus)

[Halopyrgus] (formerly [Potamopyrgus]) [pupoides] is a small brown snail related to the more common [Potamopyrgus]. The shell has an obvi...

[Gyraulus corinna]. Image: Stephen Moore

Snail (Gyraulus)

[Gyraulus] is a genus of small snails with shells coiled in a flat spiral. The shells are usually pale or semi-transparrent, although lar...

[Glyptophysa]. Image: Stephen Moore

Snail (Glyptophysa)

[Glyptophysa] (formerly [Physastra]) is a native snail genus that appears to have become increasingly rare over recent decades. They are ...

[Austropeplea]. Image: Stephen Moore

Snail (Austropeplea)

[Austropeplea] is a genus of native lymnaeid snails. The lymnaeids lack an operculum (protective shield) that covers the aperture (shell ...

Mud snail [Potamopyrgus antipodarum]. Image: Stephen Moore

Mud snail (Potamopyrgus)

[Potamopyrgus] is a genus of native snails, the most common of which ([P. antipodarum]) is our most widespread freshwater snail. They are...