The Sprawlers
Unlike burrowers, the sprawlers remain on top of substrates and sediments in depositional zones. Often they have long legs, to help distribute their weight over a large surface area, and other modifications to keep their respiratory structures free of silt. Sprawlers can also be found on the upper surfaces of floating but submerged vegetation. When disturbed, sprawlers will often scoot or crawl away quickly over the substrates, seeking a hiding place under rocks, or under coarse detritus.
Go Back to Contents Page
Go Back to Aquatic Invertebrates Field Guide Page
Go Back to the Habit Page