By: Gabe and Marc

The red water mite is an aquatic animal that varies from 1 to 3mm. Water mites are similar to ticks in appearance and behavior. This gives people the assumption that they are related to ticks. Water mites normally live on algae. As adults they attach to immature insects and become parasitic. When gorged (or full of blood of their host) they drop off for awhile and find a new host.

A red water mite’s body is only one part A red water mite can have two to six eyes The larva of a red water mite has only six legs Water mites grow up to three millimeters

The damselfly is an insect that lives near bodies of fresh water. It lays its eggs in water, and the nymph spends its life in water, where it feeds on aquatic plants. When the damselfly reaches adulthood it has a vibrantly colored abdomen, a pair of large, brightly colored eyes, and two pairs of wings, which makes it easy to mistake for a dragon fly. As an adult, the damselfly feeds on smaller insects, catching them with its legs. In all, damselflies live for six to seven months in the right conditions.

The damselfly nymph lives in the water As a nymph the damselfly feeds on aquatic plants A distinguishing feature of the damselfly is its brightly colored body

Encyclopedia Britannica Damselfly picture: Red water mite picture: Man made pond info: 199/nb112.htm 199/nb112.htm Oxbow info: