- 127 species known in North America
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Trichoptera |
| Family: | Rhyacophilidae |
Identification Tips:
• Elongated, catarpillar-like body, often green
• Distinct constrictions between abdominal segments
• 3 pairs of segmented legs
• 2 prolegs at end of the abdomen tipped with large, sharp claws
Life History:
• Typically found in fast, well oxygenated water with stony bottoms
• Sometimes in moss or algae matts on rocks in current
• Do not construct cases, but use silk to attach themselves to objects in strong currents
• Pupate in case of pebbles on attached to underside of rocks in stream
• Most are predatory, some eat plants or detritus
| POLLUTION TOLERANCE | ||||
| Very Sensitive | Somewhat Sensitive | Facultative | Somewhat Tolerant | Very Tolerant |
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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.
