Psychomyioidea

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Trichoptera
Suborder: Annulipalpia
Superfamily: Psychomyioidea

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Psychomyioidea: //ˌsaɪkoʊmɪˈɔɪdiə//

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

Images

Polycentropus denningi 01 by Libby Avis, Centre for Biodiversity Genomics. Used under a CC0 license.

Polycentropus variegatus 04 by Libby Avis, Centre for Biodiversity Genomics. Used under a CC0 license.

Polycentropus variegatus 01 by Libby Avis, Centre for Biodiversity Genomics. Used under a CC0 license.

Polycentropus variegatus 02 by Libby Avis, Centre for Biodiversity Genomics. Used under a CC0 license.

Polycentropus variegatus 03 by Libby Avis, Centre for Biodiversity Genomics. Used under a CC0 license.

Lype diversa by Stroud Water Research Center. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Summary

Psychomyiidae is a family of tube-making caddisflies characterized by specific morphological features and a cosmopolitan distribution. The larvae are important for the ecosystem due to their detritivorous habits.

Physical Characteristics

Members of Psychomyiidae exhibit similar features to polycentropodids, differentiated by spur formula 2-4-4, presence of a short thyridial cell, and absence of forewing fork I and hindwing forks I and IV (except in Eoneureclipsis). Male genitalia have elongated preanal appendages, and reduced tergum IX. Larvae construct long silken galleries.

Identification Tips

Identification can be aided by examining the spur formula and the specific wing fork characteristics.

Habitat

Larvae are typically found in aquatic environments, constructing silken galleries.

Distribution

Psychomyiidae are cosmopolitan, with a concentration of species diversity in various regions, including Southeast Asia.

Diet

Larvae are detritivores, feeding on organic matter.

Life Cycle

The life cycle includes aquatic larval stages, with the adults emerging from the water and taking flight.

Reproduction

Details on reproduction are not specified in the provided text.

Predators

Predators may include other aquatic insects and species that prey on caddisflies during larval stages.

Ecosystem Role

Psychomyiidae play a role in aquatic ecosystems as detritivores, aiding in the breakdown of organic materials.

Collecting Methods

Netting larvae from freshwater habitats
Sampling aquatic vegetation for larvae

Preservation Methods

Ethanol preservation
Pinning adult specimens

Evolution

The family Psychomyiidae may contain genera that were historically placed in other families (e.g., Zelandoptila was previously placed in Psychomyiidae).