Invertebrates

Invertebrates are animals that do not have a backbone[1]. Over 95% of animals on the earth are invertebrates. Invertebrates are found nearly everywhere in terrestrial and aquatic habitats[1]. They range from sponges, corals and seastars to insects, crabs and worms.

 

Quick facts

Microbiology

Microorganisms were not discovered until around 300 years ago. They were first reported by Anthony van Leeuwenhoek. A Dutch draper with no formal scientific training who had a passionate interest in lens grinding as a hobby[4].

Where are aquatic invertebrates found?

Aquatic invertebrates are found in shallow flowing systems, such as creeks and rivers, stillwater water systems including lakes, swamps, ponds, reservoirs and impoundments, and estuarine and marine areas. Some can even be found in subterranean areas or groundwater systems (stygofauna and troglofauna)[5].

Invertebrates have also adapted to living in pelagic (open water), littoral (shallows, vegetated), and benthic (bottom) environments[5].

Invertebrates and wetland ecology

Invertebrates are among the most abundant and diverse groups of animals that are found in a wetland ecosystem. In the aquatic food web they connect primary producers, i.e. plants and algae, to the higher consumers such as fish and birds. Some species can prey on other invertebrate, and even on the larva of higher organisms such as fish and frogs. Invertebrates are food for animals such as larval and juvenile fish and small fish species. The diet of certain herbivorous waterbirds includes protein provided by freshwater invertebrate associated with aquatic plants[6].

Invertebrates are known to play an important role in regulating certain processes and components which threaten wetland health. Herbivorous freshwater invertebrates can control the outbreak of algal blooms while other species remove detritus, leading to improved water clarity[6].

Some species of invertebrates have been known to eat the larvae of pest fish such as carp, inflicting a mortality rate as high as 90%. Some predatory freshwater invertebrates also prey on mosquito larvae[6].

Invertebrate classification

Invertebrates are very diverse and they are usually categorised and classified by looking at biological similarities and differences. The sections below are primarily based on the taxonomic classification of Margulis & Schwartz (1982)[3] and Hayward & Ryland (1990)[2]. Taxonomic classifications are written and revised based on new scientific understandings and can result in changes or updates to phylum, classes, sub-classes and orders. Others have classified invertebrates relative to their size e.g. macro and micro invertebrates.

Additional information

• To find out more about species in your area see WetlandSummary.
• For specific information on wetland species sightings please go to WetlandMaps or Wildlife Online.
• The Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Collection - contains approximately 3500 freshwater macroinvertebrate samples from rivers, streams, springs and other Queensland Wetlands.
• Australian Waterlife
• A guide to identification of rotifers, cladocerans and copepods from Australian inland waters
• Key to Australian Freshwater and Terrestrial Invertebrates
• Water and Life: Part 1, Microscopic Aquatic Life

• Atlas of Living Australia provides species information, data sets, images and mapping.
• Australian Freshwater Invertebrates Directory Guide
• Australian Aquatic Invertebrates covers taxa represented in fresh or saline, running or still, permanent or ephemeral inland waters are included.
• Murray Darling Basin Commission and the Sustainable Rivers Audit
• AUSRIVAS
• Waterwatch
• Insect identification resources online
• Australian National Insect Collection
• The Waterbug Book
• Australian freshwater life : the invertebrates of Australian inland waters by WD Williams

Pages under this section

References

1. ^ a b CSIRO, All insects are invertebrates!. [online], CSIRO. Available at: http://www.ento.csiro.au/education/what_invertebrates.html [Accessed 24 February 2016].
2. ^ Hayward, PJ & Ryland, JS (1990), The Marine Fauna of the British Isles and north-west Europe, vol. 1 & 2.
3. ^ Margulis, L & Schwartz, KV (1982), Five Kingdoms: An Illustrated Guide to the Phyla of Life on Earth, W.H. Freeman & Company.
4. ^ Morgan, D (1981), Biological Science: the web of life Part 1 page92, Australian Academy of Science, Caberra Act.
5. ^ a b Walsh, R (2012), Australian Waterlife. [online], Australian Waterlife. Available at: http://www.australianwaterlife.com.au/microfauna.html [Accessed 15 February 2016].
6. ^ a b c Walsh, R (8 October 2013), Report to National Water Commission, National Water Commission [Accessed 15 February 2016].

Last updated: 12 April 2017