Lakes
Florida has over freshwater 7800 lakes. The vast majority of these lakes are relatively shallow, usually less than 15 feet deep. Some lakes in Florida are created when sinkholes are present. Varied phytoplankton communities are present across the lakes in Florida. Unfortunately, many exotic weed species including water hyacinth Eichhornia crassipes, and hydrilla Hydrilla verticillata have been accidentally established in many lakes. Exotic pest species compete with native aquatic vegetation and can upset the delicate balance of the normal ecology. Aquatic insects and arthropods are an important component of the system of lakes in Florida. They provide food for many kinds of birds, fish and mammals.
Click on these thumbnails of insects and arthropods for more information about each.
Purple skimmer