Macroinvertebrate Identification Chart

Source: http://dnr.state.il.us/orep/ecowatch/RIVER/bugs/index.htm

Soft-bodied, many segmented, and elongate.

 

No distinct head region.

 

May have bristles, hairs or gills when viewed under the microscope.

 

Beige to red when alive.

 

Often curl into a "curly-Q" when preserved in alcohol.

 

Length: 5mm to 40mm.

Segmented worms that are dorsoventrally flattened (top to bottom).

 

Suckers on both ends, on the ventral or bottom side. Anterior sucker small or large, posterior sucker always large.

 

May be solid brown or reddish, or brightly colored and patterned. Many turn gray or cream when preserved.

 

Length: 5mm to 40mm (may stretch out in life or contract and curl preserved).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Soft bodied, flat and non-segmented worms.

 

Gray, brown or black, often molted, striped or spotted. Ventral sides gray. May have two dark eyespots on the dorsal side of the head.

 

Body markings gray and the eye spots white in preserved specimens.

 

Specimens are fragile and easily destroyed during handling.

 

Length: 1mm to 30mm.