Major Group: Insecta Order: Trichoptera Family: Oeconesidae Genus: Tascuna Species: ignota This family is represented in Australia by a single species, Tascuna ignota Neboiss. |
Descriptive Features: head flat and with a ridge (carina)
antennae very short, close to the eye
ventral apotome completely dividing the head ventrally
pronotum with transverse lateral grooves, prosternum without a spine-like process
mesosternum with 6 sclerites, mesonotum with 6 sclerites
metanotum without setae
abdominal segment 1 with 6 setae ventrally
abdominal gills present as single filaments
rows of spicules laterally on abdominal segments 3-8
Total length: up to 20 mm
Case: Made from irregular pieces of plant material. |
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Tascuna ignota |
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Taxonomic Checklist: Tascuna ignota Neboiss, 1975 |
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Distribution: Tas
Sensitivity Rating: SIGNAL grade 8
Functional Feeding Group: shredders
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Little Navarre River, Tas |
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Ecology: Instream habitat: Tascuna ignota larvae are not often collected. They occur in small fast flowing mountain streams. Feeding ecology: Larvae are detritivores. Habit: Commonly known as ‘messy caddis’ larvae construct cases that are untidy from fragments of leaves and vegetable matter. Life history: Biological information for Australian Tascuna ignota is not known. |
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Information Sources: St Clair 2000a, Dean et al 2004, Neboiss 1988, 2003 |
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