Macroinvertebrates
The quality of water in the Yellow Dog River is rated very high using the State of Michigan’s water quality scale. This is indicated by the large array of macro-invertebrates and also the number collected of each species. The three main species found in the river are stoneflies, mayflies, and caddisflies. Each species has several subspecies that are all found in abundances. Macro-invertebrates are collected by the Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve on an ongoing basis. Our volunteer water monitoring program combines community involvement with scientific research and recreation. Check out our program for more information and volunteer opportunities. Here is a brief listing of macro-invertebrates found in the Yellow Dog River:
Caddisfly larvae
Hellgrammites
Mayfly Nymphs
Stonefly Nymphs
Water snipe fly
Coleoptera beetles
Black Fly larvae
Clams
Crane Fly larvae
Dragonfly nymphs
Net-spinning caddisfly
Aquatic worms
Midge larvae
Pouch snails
True flies
