Imidacloprid was added to laboratory aquatic microcosms at concentrations of 12, 24, 48 and 96 microg/L to determine effects on leaf-shredding aquatic insect survival and feeding rates, and on aquatic microbial decomposition of leaf material. Survival of the stonefly, Pteronarcys dorsata, was significantly reduced at 48 and 96 microg/L. There was no significant mortality of the cranefly, Tipula...

We describe the inspiration, development, and deployment of a novel cocktail device modeled after a class of water-walking insects. Semi-aquatic insects like Microvelia and Velia evade predators by releasing a surfactant that quickly propels them across the water. We exploit an analogous propulsion mechanism in the design of an edible cocktail boat. We discuss how gradients in surface tension l...

Freshwater ecosystems are particularly at risk from climate change due to the intrinsic link between physical properties of water environment and those species that live there. Mayflies, stoneflies caddisflies key indicators health freshwater environments their biological traits ecological preferences determine vulnerability change. Traits for 289 British were analysed, with voltinism, length f...