Integripalpia

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Trichoptera
Suborder: Integripalpia

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Integripalpia: /ˌɪntəˌgrɪˈpælpiə/

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

Images

Agraylea multipunctata (35789438192) by Donald Hobern from Copenhagen, Denmark. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Oxyethira P1630725a by
xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Agraylea multipunctata (Caddis fly) (52260532461) by gailhampshire. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Agraylea multipunctata (27992324427) by Donald Hobern from Copenhagen, Denmark. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Himalopsyche (10.3897-zookeys.773.24319) Figures 7–10 by Hjalmarsson AE, Graf W, Jähnig SC, Vitecek S, Pauls SU (2018) Molecular association and morphological characterisation of Himalopsyche larval types (Trichoptera, Rhyacophilidae). ZooKeys 773: 79-108. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.773.24319. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Saddle case-maker, Glossosoma nigrior (10004704686) by Bob Henricks from Charlottesville, United States. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

Summary

The Integripalpia is a diverse suborder of caddisflies recognized for their unique maxillary palps and the construction of portable cases by larvae, which are adapted to various ecological niches.

Physical Characteristics

The terminal segment of the maxillary palps in adults is unringed, which distinguishes them from other caddisflies. Larvae construct portable cases from debris, which can vary significantly across families and genera.

Identification Tips

Look for unringed maxillary palp terminal segments in adults and specific case constructions in larvae.

Habitat

Integripalpia larvae are typically found in freshwater environments where they can collect materials to construct their cases.

Distribution

Approximately 40 extant families are distributed globally, primarily in freshwater habitats.

Diet

Larvae are mostly detritivores, feeding on organic material found within their constructed cases.

Life Cycle

The life cycle includes larval stages where cases are constructed and an adult stage where they emerge and reproduce.

Reproduction

Reproductive habits vary by family, but generally involve aquatic environments where eggs are laid.

Predators

Predators include fish, amphibians, and other aquatic invertebrates that prey on larvae.

Ecosystem Role

Integripalpia play a significant role in aquatic ecosystems as detritivores, contributing to nutrient cycling.

Collecting Methods

Net sampling in freshwater environments
Collecting cases from substrates

Preservation Methods

Ethanol preservation of specimens
Drying and pinning adults

Similar Taxa

Other suborders of Trichoptera
Other aquatic insects

Misconceptions

Some may confuse caddisflies with moths due to their similar appearance, but caddisflies have distinct larval cases.