Water Penny
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Macroinvertebrate Introduction
The water penny is an immuture beetle. Trout like to pick at them. They are not
often confused with other macroinvertabrate.
Special Features
The water penny is a beetle. Its body is in the same shape as a penny when
it's a larva. The water penny is not hard to distinguish from other
macroinvertebrates, but here are some ways you can.
- a round, flat body
- body is from 4-6 mm long
- close to as long as it is wide
- the color is either tan, brown, or black
- one of the most distinctive of aquatic insects
Habitat
They live in cold, fresh running water and are normally found stuck to rocks or
leaves. They are normally found in North America. They are very sensitive to
polluted water.
Unique Qualities
Some of the water pennies unique qualities are:
- They have a flat body that resists water current.
- One looks like an overgrown penny.
How It Breathes
The water penny breathes through the bottom of its body using its gills.
How It Eats
The water penny eats a few things. They are algae and small pieces of plants. It
is an herbivore, which means plant eater.
How It Moves
The water penny floats on the current. It also spends time stuck to rocks or
leaves.
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