Hydropsychinae

Hydropsychinae

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Hydropsychinae: /ˌhaɪdrəˈsaɪkɪniː/

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

Hydropsychinae is a subfamily of net-spinning caddisflies known for their ecological role in freshwater habitats and their unique silk-spinning behavior. They are important for their contributions to the ecosystem and serve as indicators of water quality.

Physical Characteristics

Net-spinning caddisflies with a range of physical forms that typically include elongated bodies and wings adapted for spinning nets.

Identification Tips

Look for silk nets in freshwater habitats, which are a signature of this group, along with their characteristic elongated bodies and wings.

Habitat

Freshwater habitats such as streams and rivers, often in clean, flowing waters.

Distribution

Worldwide, with a concentration in temperate regions.

Diet

Most members are detritivores, feeding primarily on organic matter and microorganisms trapped in their silk nets.

Life Cycle

Undergo complete metamorphosis with egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. Larvae are aquatic and build nets in the water.

Reproduction

Mating occurs aerially, and females lay eggs in or near water bodies. Eggs hatch into aquatic larvae.

Predators

Fish, amphibians, and other aquatic invertebrates.

Ecosystem Role

Important players in freshwater ecosystems, serving as indicators of water quality and contributing to nutrient cycling.

Cultural Significance

Part of the biodiversity in freshwater ecosystems, influencing local ecology and sometimes fisheries indirectly.

Collecting Methods

  • Sampling with nets in freshwater environments
  • Suction sampling
  • Light traps for adult collection

Preservation Methods

  • Ethanol preservation for aquatic larvae
  • Pinned specimens for adults

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Often confused with other similar aquatic insects; their silk nets can be mistaken for spider webs.

Tags

  • Insecta
  • Caddisflies
  • Freshwater
  • Ecosystem
  • Biodiversity