From my foray this weekend. Springtime Fairy Shrimp (Eubranchipus vernalis). This male has claspers to grasp the female in mating. They live briefly in the Spring cold waters of vernal pools, eating algae & tiny critters. Western Massachusetts 4.13.25

From my foray this weekend. Springtime Fairy Shrimp (Eubranchipus vernalis). This male has claspers to grasp the female in mating. They live briefly in Spring cold waters of vernal pools, eating algae & tiny critters.

#Eubranchipus #Fairyshrimp #crustaceans #aquaticinvertebrates #Bugsky #nature

Hot off press. Resolution not great . . .but timing was right. Largest concentration of fairy shrimp ( #Eubranchipus) I’ve ever seen. These are likely E. vernalis, the only one of 2 Massachusetts species not listed. Many males; no brood pouches. Early season? March 26, 2025.
#vernalpools #Bugsky 🐞🪰

Some of my favoritist critters - fairy shrimp, Eubranchipus vernalis, one of 2 species found in Massachusetts. Live as adults for a brief ~2 weeks in Spring vernal pools. Much more info. in video Alt.

#fairyshrimp #Eubranchipus
#vernalpools #Massachusetts #iNaturalist
#crustaceans #invertebrates