Hydroptiloidea

Classification

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Hydroptiloidea: /haɪdrɒptɪˈlɔɪdiə/

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

Images

Agraylea multipunctata by

This image is created by user Sander Terlouw at Waarneming.nl, a source of nature observations in the Netherlands.
. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

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

Agraylea multipunctata (Caddis fly) (52261016870) by gailhampshire. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Agraylea multipunctata (41939630515) by Donald Hobern from Copenhagen, Denmark. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Agraylea multipunctata (41029950640) by Donald Hobern from Copenhagen, Denmark. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Agraylea multipunctata male by Hallvard Elven, Naturhistorisk museum, Universitetet i Oslo. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Summary

Hydroptiloidea is a superfamily of caddisflies, containing the family Hydroptilidae, which are known for their small size and unique case-building behavior in larvae.

Physical Characteristics

Hydroptilidae are much smaller than other caddisflies, rarely exceeding 5 mm (0.20 in) in length. Their larvae do not build a protective case until the final instar, at which time they construct a typically purse-shaped case.

Identification Tips

Look for very small caddisflies, typically less than 5 mm long, and check for the distinctive purse-shaped larval case made during the final instar.

Habitat

Hydroptilidae larvae are found in freshwater environments, often associated with various aquatic habitats.

Distribution

Hydroptilidae have a worldwide distribution, with around 360 species described in about 23 genera in certain areas, and more than 90 genera worldwide.

Diet

The diet of Hydroptilidae larvae primarily consists of detritus and algae.

Life Cycle

Hydroptilidae undergo complete metamorphosis, with life stages including egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The larval stage is characterized by the construction of a protective case in the final instar.

Reproduction

Little detailed information is available on reproduction, but like other caddisflies, they likely lay eggs in or near water.

Ecosystem Role

Hydroptilidae play a role in aquatic ecosystems as both detritivores and as prey for other organisms.

Collecting Methods

Light trapping
Net sweeping
Sediment sampling

Preservation Methods

Drying
Alcohol preservation

Evolution

Their systematic placement is debated, with traditional placements in the suborder Spicipalpia and contemporary studies favoring incertae sedis in Trichoptera.

Similar Taxa

Glossosomatoidea

Misconceptions

Hydroptilidae are often overlooked due to their small size and similarity to other caddisflies; some may confuse their larval cases with those of other taxa.