Life history studies were carried out for populations of six species of Leptoceridae. Study sites were a permanent river (Acheron), a temporary river (Lerderderg) and a permanent lake (Monash University). Life histories varied in degree of synchrony of larval development, in length of adult emergence period, and from bi- to semivoltine. Oviposition requirements of adults were found to be the major factor influencing synchrony of the life history of one species. Life history features did not ameliorate the effects of the severe drought of 1982-83, nor did drought result in large changes in life histories.