Taxonomic Keys To Saskatchewan
Aquatic Macroinvertebrate
Genera

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Coverage:

These keys are a continuation of the SK Aquatic Bug Guide and associated Order and Family keys. The genus keys cover aquatic larval and adult stages of insects, including larval Chironomidae, except for a few families of Diptera, ie Tipulidae, the Collembola and Lepidoptera, that I have deemed to be too poorly known from the province. Included, where possible, is information on the number of species for a particular genus reported from Saskatchewan. Macrocrustacea are covered to various levels ranging from order to species level in a "Picture Guide" format. Links are provided for each family and genus to the interactive distribution maps and information of the SK Macroinvertebrate Database.

It is important that mature, penultimate or last instar, larvae and undamaged specimens be used for identification as character states can change, especially ratios, as larvae progress through the instars. Unfortunately, in normal sampling, specimens vary in maturity and rarely are they undamaged. It is good practise to examine a series of specimens if possible (Hopefully all of the same taxon!!!!) to create a composite "picture" in your mind of the various characters. One must accept the fact that it is often going to be impossible to identify some specimens because of immaturity or damage.

Copyright:

Copyright 2012 - AquaTax Consulting -All rights reserved. Copying, publication or use of the images or text content of the web pages making up these keys without permission is not permitted. Use of the keys is intended for educational and research purposes only. The use of the keys for profit is not permitted.

Disclaimer:

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy the information contained in these keys and pages. However, the author makes no guarantee to the complete accuracy of the information or procedures contained herein. The author is not liable for any direct or indirect damages arising from the use of the information contained in the pages.