NANFA-- aquatic insects, larvae and bugs, Bug Fest, water quality course

CEFCHURCH_at_aol.com
Sun, 27 Aug 2000 18:33:41 EDT

Today I went to an Indianapolis Parks Department annual program called Bug
Fest. The DNR had a nice display of aquatic insects and larvae, including
some preserved specimens. They were small glass vials, apparently full of
pure alcohol and cotton on top before the screw on lid. They said this was
adequate and had many specimens that kept for years in this set up. My
question is, does this sound adequate? Are there better systems? Any good
book/field guide recommendations for identifying these critters? They were
giving away posters with basic information.

The program was geared towards kids, but I learned some and had a great time.
Wish I had my stack of NANFA flyers to hand out. They had the display set
up next to a small, shallow pond and had a few dozen dip nets for kids (and
several adults) to use to see what they came up with. They were pulling out
juvenile bass and Gambusia as well as assorted insects and several types of
Dragonfly nymphs.

Also am getting more information on a water quality course they give several
times a year around the state. Apparently the course is free and locations
are statewide. Other Indiana residents that are interested, contact me off
list and I will provide details as I get them.

Chuck Church
Indianapolis, Indiana USA

/-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
/"Unless stated otherwise, comments made on this list do not necessarily
/ reflect the beliefs or goals of the North American Native Fishes
/ Association"
/ This is the discussion list of the North American Native Fishes Association
/ nanfa_at_aquaria.net. To subscribe, unsubscribe, or get help, send the word
/ subscribe, unsubscribe, or help in the body (not subject) of an email to
/ nanfa-request_at_aquaria.net. For a digest version, send the command to
/ nanfa-digest-request_at_aquaria.net instead.
/ For more information about NANFA, visit our web page, http://www.nanfa.org