- 149 species in North America
- Very high numbers indicate moderate levels of organic or nutrient pollution
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Trichoptera |
| Family: | Hydropsychidae |
Identification Tips:
• Branched gills on bottom of most abdomen segments
• 3 hardened plates protect segments behind head (thorax)
• Larvae almost always collected separate from case
• Usually lay on side of collecting tray in 'C' shape
• 13-18 mm
Life History:
• Found in all types of habitat with flowing water
• Larvae live in tubes of sand or detritus glued to submerged wood or rocks in current
• An attached silk mesh net is used to collect drifting food particles
• Defend feeding territories when density is high
• Can be highly abundant in waters containing lots of algae or organic matter
| POLLUTION TOLERANCE | ||||
| Very Sensitive | Somewhat Sensitive | Facultative | Somewhat Tolerant | Very Tolerant |
| Most | Some | Most | ||
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Primary Information Source:
Voshell, J. Reese. 2002. A Guide to Common Freshwater Invertebrates of North America. McDonald and Woodward Publishing Company. Blacksburg, Virginia.
