Major Group: Insecta Order: Trichoptera Family: Limnephilidae Genus: Archaeophylax This family is represented in Australia by a single genus, Archaeophylax Kimmins.
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Descriptive Features: head with eyes protruding
antennae located midway between eye and anterolateral corner of head capsule
pronotum and mesonotum sclerotised, although sclerites on mesothorax not covering whole segment
metanotum with 2 or 3 pairs of small sclerites
prosternal horn present
thoracic legs approximately equal in length
abdominal segment 1 with relatively small dorsal protuberance and well developed lateral protuberances
venter heavily setose
dorsum with numerous setae, either restricted to 2 pairs of small sclerites or more usually dispersed across the segment and associated with smaller areas of sclerotization
abdominal gills present
lateral fringe of short setae on abdominal segments 2 -8
segment 8 without a lateral row of bifid spicules
anal claw with a single dorsal accessory tooth
Total length: up to 20 mm
Case: Cylindrical, variously constructed, consisting solely of mineral particles or solely of plant material or various combinations of the two. When constructed of vegetable matter, the case can be neat and compact, or untidy with numerous trailing fragments or streamers of plant material.
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Archaeophylax sp. |
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Taxonomic Checklist: Species Archaeophylax canarus Neboiss Archaeophylax ochreus Mosely Archaeophylax vernalis Neboiss (larva unknown)
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Distribution: NSW, Vic, Tas
Sensitivity Rating: SIGNAL grade 8
Functional Feeding Group: shredders, gathering collectors
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Murray River, Jingellic Vic |
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Ecology: Instream habitat: Archaeophylax ochreus is generally found in small alpine and subalpine streams, while Archaeophylax canarus occurs in foothill and lowland streams, including temporary streams, and has also been recorded from farm dams. Feeding ecology: Generally limnephilid larvae are detritivores feeding on plant matter but Archaeophylax canarus can also be an opportunistic carnivore, capable of feeding on prey half its size. Habit: Larvae construct tubular cases from a combination of plant and mineral materials. Life history:
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Information Sources: Dean 2000, Dean et al 2004, Neboiss 2003, Hawking & Smith 1997, Gooderham & Tsyrlin 2002 Key to Species: Dean 2000
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