Net Tube Caddisflies

Psychomyiidae

Classification

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Psychomyiidae: /saɪkoʊˈmaɪɪˌdiː/

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

Images

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

Psychomyia flavida by Stroud Water Research Center. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Summary

Psychomyiidae are a family of tube-making caddisflies characterized by specific morphological traits and a unique life cycle involving the construction of silken galleries in aquatic habitats. They play a crucial ecological role within these environments.

Physical Characteristics

Typically similar to polycentropodids; differentiated by spur formula 2-4-4, short thyridial cell, and absence of forewing fork I and hindwing forks I and IV (except in Eoneureclipsis). Male genitalia characterized by elongate preanal appendages and reduced tergum IX. Larvae have separated submental sclerites, broad foretrochantin, and whip-like apex of pupal mandible. Larvae create long silken galleries.

Identification Tips

Identification can be made through examination of the spur formula, forewing structure, and male genitalia features.

Habitat

Aquatic environments where larvae construct silken tubes or galleries.

Diet

Larvae are detritivores/predators feeding on organic matter and microflora found in aquatic habitats.

Life Cycle

Life cycle includes egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages; larvae live in silken tubes in aquatic environments and emerge as adults.

Reproduction

Details on reproductive habits are limited, but reproduction typically involves aquatic laying of eggs by females.

Predators

Natural predators likely include various aquatic insects, fish larvae, and other predators of similar habitats.

Ecosystem Role

As detritivores, they play a role in the breakdown of organic material in aquatic ecosystems.

Collecting Methods

Aquatic netting
Hand collecting from silken tubes
Light trapping (for adults)

Preservation Methods

Ethanol
Pinned specimens (for adult forms)

Evolution

The family encompasses a range of genera with varying evolutionary histories; further phylogenetic studies are required for a clearer picture.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Some may confuse them with other families of caddisflies due to their similar appearance.