Copepods
…likely to spot the bright red Diaptomus and at least one green copepod species in Sacramento’s vernal pools. Copepods have four or six legs, a short tail, and long antennae….
Fairy Shrimp
…pale-colored (normally gray-white) and transparent. They have a long, narrow body with 11 pairs of paddle-like legs. Females have a brood pouch which holds eggs, located directly behind the legs….
Vernal Pool Tadpole Shrimp
Vernal Pool Tadpole Shrimp have a shield-like cover called a carapace. They can be mottled olive-green, brown or gray. Their abdomen sticks out behind the carapace and ends in two…
Water Flea
A Water Flea swims in a jerky, hopping motion like a flea. A carapace (shell) covers most of its body. The carapace is hinged on one side. The other side…
Mosquito
Adult Mosquitoes are gray or black and have two scaly wings. Females have a long, straw-like mouth for sucking blood. Males look different, with feathery antennae and mouthparts that cannot…
Aquatic Snails
…and the other looks like a turban. Sticking out under the shell is the “foot.” The foot is fleshy and muscular; it allows the snail to move around. The foot…