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Index of Bugs
Blepharicerids are flies that live near rapids, streams, waterfalls, and other swift-moving bodies of water.
Using their six ventral suckers, the larvae hold on to the slippery rock surfaces beneath the fast moving water of torrential streams.
They are able to move about by holding on with one end of their bodies while letting go with the other end.
Blepharicerid larvae graze on microscopic algae, called diatoms. The larvae use mandibles to scrape the surfaces on which the diatoms are attached to loosen them. They then use other mouth appendages to move the diatoms toward their mouths so they can eat them.
Blepharicerids remain in the pupal stage for about 2-3 weeks. The pupae are oval or egg-shaped. Hundreds of blepharicerid pupae can be attached to a single rock.
To learn more about blepharicerids and to see them in action, order the Backyard Bugs DVD.
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