**Description:** Extremely long, thread-like worms that resemble a strand of hair; often seen tangled in knots in shallow water.
**Size:** Can grow up to 12 inches long, but only a fraction of an inch wide.
**Life Cycle:** Larvae are internal parasites of large insects like crickets and beetles; adults are free-living in the water and do not eat.
**Identification:** Dark brown to black color. Often appear suddenly in ponds or puddles after heavy summer rains.
**Habitat:** Still waters of beaver ponds, reservoir coves, and temporary puddles.