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Phryganeidae
 
Phylum Arthropoda
Class Insecta
Order Tricoptera
Sub-Order Integripalpia
Family Phryganeidae
Common Name Giant casemaker
 
Distinguishing Characteristics
  • Abdominal segment IX with sclerite on dorsum
  • Posternal horn present
  • Antennae of normal length no more than 3 times as long as wide or not apparent
  • Mesonotum is membranous and pronotum never with an anterolateral lobe.
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Ecology
     There are 29 species from 10 genera in North America, most of the North America diversity is found in the Northeast region. Larvae may be large, upward of 40 mm in length. Adults as well are large ranging from 20 to 40 mm. Phrynganeidae is usually found in cool lentic environment, although some are found in flowing water. They build large hard cases that they carry around from plants. They are univoltine usually five stars prioir to pupation. Last but not least they are detritivorous shedders.
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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