| Water invertebrates
      Top l to r: Corixa punctata (a water boatman), common pondskater; bottom l to r: water scorpion, common backswimmer© Top l to r: Bob Gibbons, Roger Key/English Nature; bottom l to r: Bob Gibbons, Roger Key/English NatureVery many invertebrates have adapted to living their entire lives in the water, such as leeches and some snails. In addition, the larval stages of many other species live in water, like the nymphs of dragonflies. The predator/prey relationships are immensely complex but among the most fearsome hunters are the larvae of some of the larger water beetles. Pond skaters feed on other insects which fall into the water. Water invertebrates will provide food for common frogs, toads and newts and also for bats, especially Daubenton's. Among birds visiting the garden, the grey wagtail will rarely be seen far from water where most of its prey lives. Pied wagtails and swallows are other birds that feed on invertebrates associated with water. PlantsGreater bladderwort, Rigid hornwort, Spiked water-milfoil, Water-violet, Whorled water-milfoil PredatorsAlder fly, Azure damselfly, Blue-tailed damselfly, Brown long-eared bat, Common backswimmer, Common darter dragonfly, Common pondskater, Common toad, Common whirligig beetle, Daubenton's bat, Dragonflies and damselflies, Four-spotted chaser dragonfly, Great crested newt, Great diving beetle, Great pond snail, Grey wagtail, Hydrobius fuscipes, Kingfisher, Large red damselfly, Mallard, Moorhen, Natterer's bat, Pied wagtail, Pipistrelle bat, Smooth newt, Southern hawker dragonfly, Water measurer, Water scorpion Water invertebratesAlder fly, Common backswimmer, Common pondskater, Corixa punctata, Great diving beetle, Hydrobius fuscipes, Water measurer, Water scorpion |
