Karen Gillan
Amy Pond
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Learn about the diversity and importance of pond life in the UK, from aquatic insects and amphibians to birds and mammals. Discover the features, history and threats of this vital habitat and how to protect and create more ponds.
Pond life is an umbrella term for all life forms found in ponds. Although there is considerable overlap with the species lists for small lakes and even slow flowing rivers, pond life includes some species not found elsewhere and as a biome it represents a unique assemblages of species.
Pond ecology is best described as the interaction of the life in your pond with the environment that exists there. A shallow, nutrient-rich pond, exposed to sunlight with little water flowing through it will be teeming with algae and aquatic plants.
Learn about the different types of organisms that live in ponds, from algae and plants to fish and mammals. Find out how ponds are ecosystems and how they support many living things.
- Whirligig beetle Gyrinus substriatus (above) Predator and scavenger. One of several small black beetle species that whizz about on the surface.
- Pond skater Gerris lacustris. Predator and scavenger. Glides across surface on long legs. Flies well; rapidly colonises new ponds.
- Great water boatman Notonecta glauca. Predator and scavenger; also known as the backswimmer. Rows under surface with oar-like legs.
- Water scorpion Nepa cinerea. A predatory bug with huge pincers and a long ‘sting’ (a breathing siphon). Lurks in weedy margins.
Did you know that ponds are havens for a huge range of aquatic invertebrates, amphibians and more? Find out more about how to identify the huge biodiversity of pond life when you next go pond dipping.
pond. A properly constructed, maintained, and managed pond will be an asset rather than a liability, and can enhance your quality of life through the years of recreation and enjoyment it provides. INTRODUCTION wildohio.gov • 1-800-WILDLIFE (1-800-945-3543)
