By late November, the edges of ponds and rivers can look lifeless: dead reeds, rotting vegetation, and none of the summer buzz of insects and flowers. Yet just below the surface, the water is teeming with activity. Zooplankton such as Daphnia, rare “minnehaha” waterfleas, and the extraordinary single‑eyed Polyphemus pediculus quietly filter and hunt. Among the mud wriggle oligochaete worms, from clear‑bodied Chaetogaster to bright red Tubifex, alongside colourful water mites that scurry on eight tiny legs. Mayfly nymphs, damselfly larvae, stealthy waterboatmen and the leaf‑like water scorpion Nepa cinerea continue to feed and grow, readying for warmer months while the land above lies seemingly dormant. Discover why freshwater stays so alive when frost claims the fields. Return on 30‑Nov for the full story!
Article
The full article will be launched on 30 November until then you can enjoy a teaser of the content
that will be coming here and all articles using the All Articles link.
