Lake critter ID

[RumBum]

Can anyone ID the little critters who come out at night in Lake Travis? They are attracted to dive lights. I don't have a picture, but here is my best description:
1-2 cm long. When swimming it looks like a sperm with its roundish head and tail used as a paddle/ rudder. When they stop the tail spreads out into three prongs. They have little legs (6 I think) and will sit happily on your hand for a while.

I've seen these little guys for ages but always been curious what they are.

Thanks!
Melissa

 

[cavemn]

tadpole? 6 legs?

 

[cbrich]

I think, I have seen the same critter, but have no idea what they are. I would suspect they are somekind of worm, or insect larvae.

 

[RumBum]

Definitely not a tadpole. Probably is some kind of larvae but I wonder what kind? It's not mosquito larvae; they look like worms and never stop swimming. The coolest part about this critter is the three tails!
I know I'm just a who loves to ID stuff.

 

[cavemn]

Stonefly(Plecoptera) or Mayfly(Ephemeroptera)

 

[oldschool]

Stonefly(Plecoptera) or Mayfly(Ephemeroptera)

That's what those guys in the movie "Cave" thought too.........

 

[RumBum]

I do believe it is a mayfly nymph. Good call, Dave!

Brenden was able to get a picture so here it is!

 

[cavemn]

Always good to know a Biologist or two . Sorry, I can't take the credit. I wanted the answer too.