SPECIES ID / Invertebrates

Crustaceans

Crustaceans, like insects and spiders, have segmented bodies and external skeletons.A very diverse group with over 36,000 species in North America. Most are marine with only 1,100 inhabiting fresh water. They vary in size from microscopic to > 150 mm body length. There is no metamorphosis: juveniles look like miniature adults.

––––––
Primary Information Source:
Voshell, J. Reese. 2002. A Guide to Common Freshwater Invertebrates of North America. McDonald and Woodward Publishing Company. Blacksburg, Virginia.