Macroinvertebrates are a functional grouping of animals lacking a vertebral column that are retained by a defined mesh size (typically ≥0.25–0.5 mm) in aquatic and sometimes terrestrial ecosystem studies. This assemblage encompasses taxa such as insect larvae, crustaceans, mollusks, annelids, and arachnids, and is commonly used in biomonitoring and ecological assessment because of their diverse life histories, relatively limited mobility, and taxon-specific sensitivities to environmental stressors. Macroinvertebrate community composition, abundance, and trait structure provide quantitative indicators of habitat quality, hydrological regime, organic enrichment, toxic contamination, and broader ecosystem functioning, including decomposition and nutrient cycling.
When Caitlin Bloomer wrestled the massive Crawzilla crawdad—yes, that's its actual common name—out of the muck during a biological survey in Kentucky, she was convinced it was the largest crayfish ever recorded.
Plants & Animals
Sep 23, 2026
1
399
If you're swimming in the Salish Sea late at night and feel a skittering along your calves, tiny hairy feet tip-tapping their way higher and higher toward your face, don't worry—it's probably just the stuff of nightmares: ...
Evolution
Sep 23, 2026
0
22
Octopuses, squid and cuttlefish may have evolved large brains because of the challenges posed by their environments rather than the demands of social life, according to a new study published in iScience today.
Evolution
Jul 2, 2026
0
70
How many insects and spiders live in 1 square meter (11 square feet) of meadow? What impact do humans have on this biodiversity in mowed meadows, lawns and roadside verges? A new online tool answers these questions: the Insect ...
Ecology
Jun 29, 2026
0
15
Newly described aquatic insects, belonging to the genus Hydropsyche, are helping close substantial knowledge gaps regarding the biodiversity of Azerbaijan, Iran, and Türkiye. Caddisflies (order Trichoptera) are vital components ...
Plants & Animals
Jun 4, 2026
0
9
The removal of invasive rodents from Lord Howe Island has triggered a rebound of invertebrate life, with researchers from the University of Sydney and collaborators documenting sharp increases in the abundance of insects ...
Plants & Animals
May 25, 2026
0
51
Last year Kenya Wildlife Service warned of a growing demand for garden ants in Europe and Asia, where some people view them as exotic pets. An attempt to smuggle over 2,000 garden ants out of the country's main international ...
Ecology
Apr 8, 2026
0
59
How can we predict species' responses to always-arising changes in our world? A long-term ecological study from Yokohama National University researchers suggests the answer may lie in a few small simple biological traits. ...
Ecology
Apr 6, 2026
0
36
What do microplastics, water color, and satellites have in common? Dr. Karl Kaiser, professor of marine and coastal environmental science in the College of Marine Sciences and Maritime Studies at Texas A&M University at Galveston ...
Environment
Feb 4, 2026
0
28
Penicillin, X-rays, vulcanized rubber—some of the greatest scientific discoveries happened by accident. Thanks to his love of invertebrates, William & Mary Biology Professor Jon Allen has added another entry to that list ...
Plants & Animals
Dec 9, 2025
0
30
