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For Insects, Spiders & Their Kin
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Photo#1559250
Protective clear shell around water bug or larva

Protective clear shell around water bug or larva
Minter, Al, Dallas County, Alabama, USA
July 17, 2018
Size: 1/4”
Found swimming in a large, somewhat constant rain puddle. Tadpoles are also usually always in the puddle. This bug has a clear hard shell. It propels forward by twitching its tail downward. It constantly moves the comb-like structure in a wave-like motion at its base. It looks like eggs on their backs. They are lying on their side in the picture because the water is shallow, but they swim right side up like a regular fish.

Moved
Moved from Branchiopods.

Moved
Moved from ID Request.

Protective clear shell around water bug or larva
Yes - Class Branchiopoda

Looks like a clam shrimp.
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