Freshwater Biology

This is a somewhat different section from the others - it is habitat-based rather than species-based. Many species of the groups covered by the other sections can be found associated with fresh water. However many other groups, not represented elsewhere, are important constituents of freshwater habitats. These include the algae and protozoa (protoctista) which are mainly microscopic, the Crustacea of which crayfish and shrimps are the largest representatives, and of course, fish.

Many insects have larval stages in fresh water, notably the Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies), the Ephemeroptera (mayflies), the Plecoptera (stone flies) and Trichoptera (caddis flies). There are also freshwater molluscs, the amphibian Herptiles, and many birds which depend for much of their livelihood on freshwater habitats.

Recorders:

L Magee   4 Park Square, Pool-in-Wharfedale, Otley, LS21 1LB  Tel/fax:0113 284 2156  Email: ironblue100@hotmail.co.uk   (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and aquatic ecology)

Mrs J Lucas  8 Cambourne Drive, Fixby, Huddersfield HD2 2NF   (Odonata)

Checklist of Yorkshire's freshwater fish

Checklist of flatworms

Checklist of leeches

Research articles

The Chinese Mitten Crab in Yorkshire - an alien species

The White-clawed Crayfish in Yorkshire - a native species under pressure