Mic-UK [site A]: A simple guide to small and microscopic pond life - main page, major freshwater groups 1/27/10 5:57 AM ~ Pond Life Identification Kit ~ A simple guide to small and microscopic pond life with links to Micscape resources One of the most rewarding subjects for study with a microscope are freshwater organisms. Simple collecting methods include squeezing water plants into a jar and for free swimming species, a fine- meshed plankton net is recommended. For simple tips see how to collect microscopic pond life. The table and linked pages are a guide to some common groups of smaller freshwater organisms (microscopic to a few millimetres in size). If not familiar with an organism, see what drawing and features it most closely resembles in the table and then follow the links. The beginner may also like to explore the virtual pond dip; click on the creatures in the jar to learn about some of the commoner freshwater organisms. Group Key features Micscape links single celled, dots or strands, just visible with strongest Bacteria Introduction to bacteria magnification, cyanobacteria are Spirochaetes larger single celled, with tiny hairs or Protozoa pseudopodia Go to protozoa overview: e.g. ciliates, amoeba, heliozoa, euglenoids single celled, mostly green, Algae sometimes yellow-brown Go to algae overview: eg. flagellates, diatoms, desmids, filamentous algae wheel-like, hairy appendages, 'Smallest page on the web' - transparent, free swimming or Rotifers rotifers attached 0.2 - 1 mm two tails, hairy, round mouth No Micscape resources. (Articles welcomed!) Gastrotrichs opening 0.1 - 0.5 mm long thin body, many non Worms related forms Go to worms overview: e.g. flatworms, annelids, nematodes plant-like or jelly-like colony, Bryozoans Bryozoa crown of tentacles Pond fairies - Plumatella repens individuals: 0.25 - 5 mm green brown or colourless, body Introduction to hydra and tentacles contract and Hydra Hydra in 3D stretch http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/index.html?http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/pond/index.html Page 1 of 3 Mic-UK [site A]: A simple guide to small and microscopic pond life - main page, major freshwater groups 1/27/10 5:57 AM Hydra stretch Hydra oligactis extended: 20 mm Video clips of a hydra 8 stumpy legs, slow moving Hunting for 'bears' in the backyard <1 mm Water bears The incredible water bear (Tardigrades) See gallery links on the right for some of Water bear video gallery I the finest video clips on the Web of these Water bear video gallery II cute critters! jointed limbs; many groups e.g. Arthropods crustaceans ('water fleas'), Go to arthropods overview: mites e.g. ostracods, copepods, water fleas, mites etc. other Arthropods: wide variety of forms Insect Go to insect stages overview: e.g. caddisfly larvae, dragonfly stages nymphs, water beetles, etc. Note: This suite of pages with links hopefully gives a useful overview, but it's neither a formal identification guide nor comprehensive. It doesn't cover many larger pond organisms (>1mm. e.g. molluscs, sponges, jellyfish etc.). Simple keys to identify these larger freshwater invertebrates and plants (mosses, water weeds etc.) are widely available (see below). Introductions to pond-life on Micscape The smallest page on the web Micscape resources on other freshwater groups: Things that don't belong where they are - jellyfish, 'shrimps' and sponges only occur in the sea - or do they? Freshwater jellyfish Freshwater shells - a gallery of some commoner types Hungry utrics - an intriguing look at the bladderwort (Utricalia), a carnivorous freshwater plant Some printed resources to identify larger freshwater life (> ca. 1mm) 'Water animal identification keys' by J Eric Marson. 12 pages of simple illustrated keys. 4th edn 1968, reprinted 1998. Available from Northern Biological Supplies. 'A key to major groups of British freshwater invertebrates' by P S Croft. 47 pages with illustrated keys. Reprint from Field Studies, 1986. Available from the Field Studies Council. 'A guide to the study of freshwater biology' by J G Needham and P R Needham. 70+ pages with keys and many line drawings to major microscopic and macroscopic plants and animals. Available e.g. from Amazon Books. http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/index.html?http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/pond/index.html Page 2 of 3.