Netspinning Caddisflies

Hydropsychidae

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Hydropsychidae: /ˌhaɪdroʊˈsaɪkɪdiː/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Common netspinner, Hydropsyche rossi (9235852576) by Bob Henricks from Charlottesville, United States. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.
Hydropsyche slossonae larva by Stroud Water Research Center. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.
Common netspinner, Ceratopsyche morosa (7687479012) by Bob Henricks from Charlottesville, United States. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.
Common netspinner, Hydropsyche rossi (8072481395) by Bob Henricks from Charlottesville, United States. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.
Common netspinner, Ceratopsyche sparna (7687466708) by Bob Henricks from Charlottesville, United States. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.
Common netspinner, Ceratopsyche bronta (7687479554) by Bob Henricks from Charlottesville, United States. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

Summary

Hydropsychidae, or netspinning caddisflies, are a family of caddisflies known for their unique larval structure and feeding habits. They construct silk nets in flowing water to capture food and are significant in indicating the health of freshwater habitats.

Physical Characteristics

Hydropsychid larvae have a fully scleritized dorsum, branched gills on the ventral surface of their abdomens, and large anal prolegs equipped with hooks for grasping surfaces. They exhibit large, curved bodies visible without magnification.

Identification Tips

Identify by their unique curved bodies and their presence attached to rocks in freshwater streams.

Habitat

Freshwater streams and rivers, and occasionally the shorelines of freshwater lakes.

Distribution

Found worldwide, especially in freshwater environments.

Diet

Larvae feed on algae, diatoms, crustaceans, and immature aquatic insects caught in their silken nets.

Life Cycle

Larval stage spent entirely in fresh water; adults emerge from the aquatic environment.

Reproduction

Details on reproduction are not specified in the provided data.

Predators

Not specified in the provided data.

Conservation Status

Not specified in the provided data.

Ecosystem Role

They serve as an important indicator species for freshwater ecosystem health and contribute to the aquatic food web as both predators and prey.

Economic Impact

Not specified in the provided data.

Cultural Significance

Not specified in the provided data.

Health Concerns

Not applicable as this taxon does not pose health concerns.

Collecting Methods

  • Light traps
  • Surber samples
  • Kick netting

Preservation Methods

  • Ethanol
  • Freezing
  • Pinned specimens

Evolution

They are part of the Trichoptera order and closely related to Lepidoptera (caterpillars).

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Some may confuse them with other caddisflies or overlook their ecological importance as indicators of stream health.

Tags

  • Hydropsychidae
  • caddisflies
  • freshwater
  • indicators
  • larvae
  • net-spinning