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Hydropsychidae
Phylum Arthropoda
Class Insecta
Order Trichoptera
Sub-Order

Annulipaplia
Family

Hydropsychidae
Common Name Net-spinning Caddisfly
 
Distinguishing Characteristics
  • Dorsal side of thorax entirely covered in sclerite
  • Tracheal gills found on ventral side on abdomen only
  • Tuft of setae at anal proleg
  • Anal claw prominent
Additional Pictures
 
 
         
         
Ecology
     Distributed throughout North America, there are 146 species in 10 genera. Larvae and adults range in length from 6-9 mm and can be found in rivers and streams with moderate to high current velocities. Feeding mainly on aquatic invertebrates, Hydropsychidae use silk nets to catch their prey.
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Bibliography

Merritt, R W., K W. Cummins, and M B. Berg. An Introduction to the Aquatic Insects of North America. Dubuque, Iowa: Kendall/Hunt Company, 2008.

"Family Hydropsychidae – Netspinning Caddisflies." Bugguide.Net. 6 October 2005. Iowa State University Entomology. 13 May 2008 <http://bugguide.net/node/view/13136>.