Our biologists found this dobsonfly larva (just before its adult stage) in Little Barton Creek during biological sampling for the Environmental Integrity Index (EII). Watch its gills pulse as it gathers oxygen from the water. Dobsonflies are sensitive to environmental conditions so their presence is an indicator of good water quality. Learn more about the EII program that monitors the health of Austin’s creeks at https://tinyurl.com/yczcd8w4. | Austin Watershed Protection

😎 HELLO hellgrammite! 😳WOW-- this hellgrammite (dobson fly larva) was so big our NW Scenic River Manager Rowan just had to create a reel! 🔎Finding hellgrammites in a stream is a strong indicator of good water quality because they are intolerant of pollution and require clean water and healthy aquatic habitat. 🪰 🪳Did you know that helgrammites can live up to 5 years on the bottom of streams and rivers, hiding under rocks and logs in fast-moving water? 🪰Eventually, they'll crawl out, pupate,