Singapore Bug List

In response to queries from some readers regarding the types of bugs (macroinvertebrates) found in Singapore's fresh waters, I have compiled a quick list of the bugs I have encountered.

I have broadly classified our fresh water bodies into 3 types:

1. Ponds

Figure: A very stagnant pond next to Sungei Ulu Pandan

Figure: Turbid pond in the forest near Dover MRT station. (Sorry folks, if you intend to visit this one, forget it as the whole area is now under construction.)






Bugs present:

1. Leeches! And big ones too! These are whoppers compared to the tiny terrestrial ones commonly encountered in Malaysian jungles. I was told that they are Buffalo Leeches (unverified).
   
   There are also tiny ones (fingernail sized).
2. Dragonfly
3. Damselfly
4. Water stick insect
5. Mayfly
6. Pond skater
7. Chironomid ("Bloodworm")
8. Sludge worm
9. Beetle

NO Caddisfly!

Unsurprisingly, when the dissolved oxygen (DO) level drops low (say below 2-3mg/L), the ponds become infested with leeches which crowd out the friendly bugs e.g. Mayflies.

2. Streams

Figure: Ngee Ann Stream riffles surrounded by secondary forest then. If you want to visit this wonderful stream, do it soon because the adjacent land is cleared and under construction (yawn, what else is new?). Who knows when the stream will be paved over to make way for yet another condominium?

Figure: Binjai Stream. A good old clear stream PROVIDED rains do not wash sediments into it.

Figure: Tributary into Sungei Pandan. This is a good example of a canal that looks like a natural stream.

Bugs present:

1. Snail (lots of them in the tributary leading to Sg Pandan)
2. Collembola
3. Dragonfly
4. Damselfly
5. Eel
6. Shrimp
7. Crab (Binjai Stream. Yes, this stream is clean and natural enough to find crabs.)

NO Mayfly! NO Caddisfly!

3. Freshwater reservoir

Figure: MacRitchie Reservoir. Fully exposed to the sky.

Bugs present:

1. 
   
   Mayfly
2. 
   
   Dragonfly
3. 
   
   Damselfly
4. 
   
   Chironomid
5. 
   
   Shrimp
6. 
   
   Snail
7. 
   
   Lentil Shrimp
8. 
   
   Caddisfly

NO Leech!

Disclaimer: Haha, this is definitely not a complete list. All the above bugs are based on my experience in those waters.

Strangely, NO Plecoptera (Stonefly) and Megaloptera have been found so far in Singapore waters! These 2 orderse are supposed to be really common in other countries e.g. USA, UK.

Acknowledgement: Many thanks to Esther for introducing me to the world of water bugs! I am still learning lots more from her.

One last comment:

Forget about finding bugs in artificial fish ponds with little or no natural substrate - e.g. below

Courses on water quality

In response to queries about my courses on water quality, I have listed them here for easy reference.

1. AEM (advanced elective module): Water Quality and Pollution
   This 40-hour module is essentially for upper secondary school students as dictated by MOE (unless the school is willing to forgo the MOE subsidy).
   
   Check out this post for more details.
   
2. My forest is DYING and the role of water quality
   This 1-day course is mainly catered for MOE teachers even though MOE HQ staff have attended it. I was initially told that the course title sounded wacky and school management (the approvers for my customers - teachers) would not be amused with such a title. However, many participants found the title catchy and wanted to learn more about the course. Hence, the title stays as it is.
   
   Check out the course details here.
   
3. Water Quality in Natural Habitats
   Another 1-day course. This is more suitable for secondary school students and above as it involves laboratory work in addition to the standard (at least for me) field work plus classroom lesson.
   
   Check out the flyer here.
   
4. Freshwater quality and biodiversity
   Duration of 1 day too. This course is suitable for primary school students and above. There is no laboratory work. Instead, the participants get to see aquatic bugs (macroinvertebrates) up close and personal - an  unforgettable experience to most since people in Singapore hardly go out to "play" with nature anymore.
   
   Check out the flyer here.
   

FAQs on AEMs (advanced elective modules): Water Quality and Pollution

1. What are AEMs?
   Check out characteristics of AEMs
2. What are the dates and times?
   The teacher in-charge will have to work out the schedule with coordinator of the AEM (typically a Polytechnic lecturer). Each module is 40h so it will take about 5-6 full days either condensed into a week or spread across several weeks.
3. How many participants are required?
   Minimum 20. I normally stick to a maximum of 20 for safety reasons, especially in laboratory and field work.
4. When must I give you the list of participants?
   The name list can be sent to me latest 1 week before the course starts.
5. What is the cost?
   <br>$400 per pax. MOE can subsidise $345 with $55 coming from the student or school.
6. How do we go about applying for the MOE subsidy?Check out application of funds for running AEMs
7. Are teacher required to be present?The presence of a teacher is preferred, especially for the field trips.
8. What is the AEM, Water Quality and Pollution about?Check out my flyer or the description
9. If I need more information, who can I approach?For further clarifications on policy and implementation issues, please contact: