Ecology and lifecycle of Myxas glutinosa (Müller) in lakes on the Åland Islands, Southwestern Finland

Myxas glutinosa was found in 4 lakes out of a total of 51 visited on the Åland Islands, Finland. The lakes are eutrophic with high values for water chemistry parameters and are rich in aquatic vegetation. A population of M. glutinosa in one of the lakes (Lake Bolstaholm) was monitored over two seasons. In spring, individuals live on rocks where they feed on epilithic algae and propagate, then die. In late summer the new generation hatches and is mainly found on leaves of water lilies. During this time they grow, feeding either on epiphytic algae or on decaying leaves. In late autumn, having reached their adult size, they descend to deeper water to hibernate.