Kids in the Creek - Macroinvertebrates From the banks of the creek, and in its more shallow reaches, students explore the parameters of a healthy fish habitat. They will determine where fish like to live, what they prefer to eat, and what insects are indicator species. Many aquatic insects look significantly different in their early stages of development when compared to adulthood. Aquatic insects undergo simple metamorphosis or complete metamorphosis. Metamorphosis means change during growth Incomplete Metamorphosis: The insect egg hatches to produce a nymph. Nymphs may begin to resemble adults but they still may vary considerably from their adult form. Complete Metamorphosis: Insects that experience complete metamorphosis are characterized by eggs that hatch into larvae. The larva grows through several stages and then changes into a pupa. Pupae are usually encased in protective cover for their next stage of growth. From the pupae emerge the soft-body, often pale in color, adults. They differ remarkably in appearance from their earlier forms but are not yet completely formed. Gradually the soft pale body develops firmness and color. In complete metamorphosis, there is little resemblance between the adult and earlier forms.

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