There are at least a million insect species on our planet, and some experts believe that the true figure is ten times that number. This means that insects are more diverse than all other kinds of animals. Some species swarm in vast numbers - several millions in one swarm; so any attempt at estimating the total number of insects living on earth would need a calculator with a lot of digits!
Depending on the taxonomic system employed, there are at least 30 separate orders of insects; eight of the more common and interesting winged insect orders are featured on this website:
Upwinged flies, commonly referred to as mayflies, have long been of great interest to river fishers, especially in springtime. On lakes, however, the sedge flies (also known as caddisflies) are equally important and in some places rather more so. Aquatic diptera too, and chironomids in particular, are a major source of food for lake trout, and so are the nymphs of damselflies in shallow lakes and slow-flowing rivers.
But wherever you go, on river, stream or lake, by the time autumn arrives so also do the terrestrial beetles and many other insects - craneflies (daddy long-legs) for example - whose presence is vital for the survival of trout, water birds, amphibians and hence the whole of the foodchain.
Also on these pages you will find pictures and information about water bugs, dragonflies and butterflies. We hope you find the photographs and brief articles of interest.
If you are a keen flyfisher, take a look at Matching the Hatch; it is the most user-friendly illustrated guide to aquatic insects and their imitation with artificial flies. Details...
Amateur Entomology Association
For anyone interested in aquatic fly life and other freshwater invertebrates - and particularly those who enjoy flyfishing for trout and grayling - Pat O'Reilly's bestselling book Matching the Hatch is an indispensable guide. Author-signed copies are available online here...
Algarve Wildlife - the natural year is an indispensable companion if you intend visiting Portugal. Details...
