Were you one of the 5 YounGnats that joined us at Harrold-Odell Country Park to find what lurks beneath the water? The YounGnats (and adults) were very enthusiastic and found lots of interesting creepy crawlies in their nets.  The catches were transferred to white trays with water so everything could be seen, identified and watched.

A Spined Loach was one of the star finds as well as the Water Scorpion and Water Stick Insect.  A very large dragonfly nymph was identified as an Emperor Dragonfly and the Caddis fly larvae were varied and fascinating.

Several knowledgeable adults were there to help with identification and below is a list of the animal groups we found.

Mayfly nymphs         several species
Damselfly nymphs   several species
Dragonfly nymph     1, an Emperor Dragonfly
Mosquito larvae
Water fleas
Leech                      1
Snails                       several species
Caddis fly larvae      several species
Water hog louse
Water bugs               several species including Saucer Bugs, Water Scorpion & Water Stick Insect
Water Beetle            1
Fish                           several species including Spined Loach

Thanks to  Sheila Brooke for providing such a lovely day, and to Betty Cooke, our roving photographer, for showing us some of the finds.

We all enjoyed the afternoon, the sun was shining and we look forward to seeing you there next time!