Hydropsyche

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Trichoptera
Suborder: Annulipalpia
Superfamily: Hydropsychoidea
Family: Hydropsychidae
Subfamily: Hydropsychinae
Genus: Hydropsyche

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Hydropsyche: //haɪˈdrɒpsɪki//

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

Hydropsyche is a genus of net-spinning caddisflies with around 260 species globally, known for their larvae that build nets in streams for filter feeding.

Physical Characteristics

Adult body length 10-15 mm; head and body with patches of short hair; forewing light to medium brown or grayish with speckling and mottling; anal angle of forewing sharp-angled. Larvae have a distinctive head pattern, a dorsal plate on each thoracic segment, and rows of bushy gills on the abdomen.

Identification Tips

Look for distinctive forewing patterns and colors; adults are often found on vegetation near streams.

Habitat

Larvae inhabit fast-moving portions of streams and rivers; adults are usually found on nearby vegetation.

Distribution

Worldwide distribution with many species in various habitats, especially in streams.

Diet

Larvae are filter feeders, primarily consuming algae, detritus, and organic particles caught in their nets.

Life Cycle

The life cycle includes both aquatic larvae and terrestrial adults, with larvae building nets to capture food.

Reproduction

Specific reproductive habits are not detailed, but like many caddisflies, they likely involve layings eggs in or near water.

Predators

Specific predators not detailed, but likely include fish and other aquatic predators that prey on larvae.

Ecosystem Role

Larvae play a role in aquatic ecosystems as filter feeders, contributing to nutrient cycling.

Evolution

Hydropsyche is one of the genera within the diverse Trichoptera order, showcasing evolutionary adaptations related to net-spinning behavior.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Often confused with other caddisflies due to similar appearances, but their net-building behavior is distinctive.