Fairies and Other Small Hidden Creatures

Invertebrates from microscopic size to those easily visible with the naked eye are this chapter’s focus. Some groups are primarily freshwater denizens, but most are relatives of more diverse marine taxa. Many are strange to the average citizen, while others like mussels are widely known. The good and bad of aquatic insects are evaluated here as is the ecology of freshwater creatures of ephemeral habitats, with an emphasis on fairy, clam, and tadpole shrimps.