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 Major Groups | Insecta (insects) | Trichoptera (caddisflies) | Polycentropodidae
 

Polycentropodidae

Major Group: Insecta
Order: Trichoptera
Family: Polycentropodidae

Descriptive Features:

  • ventral surface of head with post mental sclerites fused
  • pronotum sclerotised
  • mesonotum and metanotum membranous
  • fore trochantin well developed, slender and tapered
  • abdomen without gills
  • abdominal prolegs strongly developed, anal claws large
  • Total length: 6 – 18 mm

    • Taxonomic Checklist: Genera
    Adectophylax volutus Neboiss (larva unknown)
    Neureclipsis
    Paranyctiophlyax
    Plectrocnemia
    Polyplectropus     (larva unknown)
    Tasmanoplegus spilota     Neboiss (larva unknown)
    (1 undescribed genera)

    Distribution: Australia wide

    Sensitivity Rating: SIGNAL grade 7

    Functional Feeding Group: predators, filtering collectors, shredders

    Ecology: Instream habitat: Polycentropodid larvae occur in lotic and lentic habitats, including swamps, pools and lakes. They are found on the sides and lower surfaces of large rocks.
    Feeding ecology: Larvae are generally predators feeding mainly on arthropods, in particular midge larvae (Diptera). However, larval feeding habits are variable and even within one genus there may be filter feeders, shredders or predators.
    Habit: Larvae are not case making but some species construct fixed tube retreats, with flared openings, on rocks and other species construct loose silken capture nets, suspended between two stones.
    Life history:
     
     
    Information Sources: Cartwright 1998, Dean et al 2004, Dean et al 1995, Neboiss 2003 
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