Major Group: Insecta
Order: Trichoptera
Family: Atriplectididae
Genus: Atriplectides
This family is represented in Australia by a single genus, Atriplectides Mosely. |
Descriptive Features: head small, elongate, ecdysial lines not visible
antennae moderately small, situated near anterolateral angles
pronotum slender, anterior half with at least 2 pairs of dorsal sclerites, posterior half long and membranous, retractile into mesothorax
both mesothorax and metathorax considerably broader than prothorax
hindlegs 3 - 4X length of forelegs
gills present on abdominal segments 2-7
abdominal segments 3-7 with lateral fringe of short, fine setae
abdominal segment 8 with lateral row of 12 - 36 small bifid spicules
anal claw with single dorsal tooth
Total length: 8 - 18 mm
Case: Variable, either narrowly tubular, constructed of fine sand with weakly developed longitudinal ridges, or broader, somewhat dorso-ventrally flattened and constructed of coarser sand and fine gravel. |
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Atriplectides dubius |
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Taxonomic Checklist: Species
Atriplectides dubius Mosely
Atriplectides ikmaleus Neboiss |
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Distribution: Tas, N Qld, SE Qld, NSW, VIC, SA, S WA, ACT
Sensitivity Rating: SIGNAL grade 7
Functional Feeding Group: gathering collectors |
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Mitta River, Eskdale Vic |
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Ecology: Instream habitat: Atriplectides larvae occur in lakes and slow flowing sections of streams. They are found in the benthic sediments.
Feeding ecology: Larvae are scavenging detritivores feeding on decaying animal and plant material. The long narrow head shape allows Atriplectides to eat the soft flesh inside the bodies of dead animals, with only the effort of cutting a hole large enough for its head. This behaviour gives rise to the common name of ‘vulture caddis’.
Habit: Larvae make tubular cases of sand grains.
Life history: |
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Information Sources: Dean 2000, Dean et al 2004, Neboiss 2003, Hawking & Smith 1997, Gooderham & Tsyrlin 2002, Sloane & Norris 2002
Key to Species: Dean 2000 |
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