Last year I discovered the magic of vernal pool invertebrates. It started with finding 3 species of fairy shrimp, then a species of tadpole shrimp in temporary pools in Kansas.

I thot Id share some pics.

Here is one of the fairy shrimp. All of these animals are less than 2" long, so the photos are closeups.

This is a Greater Plains Fairy Shrimp


Here is a larger species called a Beavertail Fairy Shrimp. This was the first one I discovered, and I didnt get a chance to take very many good photos of it.


Here is an animation I did of a Spinytail Fairy Shrimp


Now on to the tadpole shrimp. You may recognize these as the Triops which are sold as eggs in Walmart and other stores, but these were all collected in the wild.

Wow, fascinating post and some really great photographs - you have talent! Really interesting to read about this.. please post more pics if you have any. Thanks for sharing your hobby.

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Great stuff, I can't wait for the vernal pools to come alive here in Jersey.

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Just goes to show you that there are exotic things even in your own backyard if you take the time to look!
A kid I worked with found a triops, a pretty good sized one, too, and brought it to show me. He thought it might be some sort of alien species!
As in UFO!
Boy was he disappointed.

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awesome pictures !!! and the animation is cool too. Ya never know what lurks in the backyard huh ?

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Ken
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Wow! Very cool looking critters!!
I need to check out the puddles in my yard now! LOL

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Those are awsome pics!

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Audrey

for best results, I would look for large puddles that attract some waterfowl occasionally. Waterfowl seem to enjoy eating the bugs, and they also seem to transport them from place to place on mud stuck to their feet. Here is the large vernal pool where I found mine. Thats my 2 dr. Blazer at the back- voted most dangerous vehicle on the road today. Fortunately I never saw the farmer, who Im sure would be upset about me driving around in his field.


Heres the pics of the tadpole shrimp I caught last year, before I knew enough to add substrate. They lived about a week.

wow...those are so bizarre looking but so neat! never saw anything like them. thanks for sharing the pics.

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Tadpole shrimp are so cool They look like mini horseshoe crabs.

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