What is the name of those bugs on the river bottom?

Question

We always called them periwinkles, but that is not their real name.
my 9 year old son, and I, were looking at them yesterday and I was telling him that when I was a kid, we would use them for bait. but I don't know the name, just curious

Answer 1

Periwinkles are snails of the genus Littorina, so it's unlikely they are the bugs on the river bottom. The technical term for bugs on the river bottom is "benthic macroinvertebrates" or "aquatic macroinvertebrates." They're very important indicators of stream health, and as such are often studied. Chances are there's a citizen science or outdoor education program in your area that could teach you and your son a lot about them.
See attached, for example.

Answer 2

The only water critters I know of that are called periwinkles are actually snails found in the shallow muddy waters of the Atlantic. Maybe you could provide a description?

Answer 3

bugs on the river bottom, that you can use for bait

Answer 4

i always called them periwinkles,,,didnt know there was another name

Answer 5

its particularly exciting, yet i think of you should in some circumstances call adaleide "she" or "her". i like the names...they arnt used in this time plenty, which makes them reallly exciting. i like the descriptions with reference to the location, yet you do say the waterfall grow to be magnificent two times, so perchance delete one? desire i helped! :)

Answer 6

I think it's a water boatman.

Answer 7

they're called riverbottombugs.

Answer 8

nasty water bugs

Answer 9

are you talking about leeches?

Answer 10

planktons??