Leucotrichiinae

Distinguished from other Hydroptilidae subfamilies by features of the antennae, wing venation, and male genitalia. Within Leucotrichiinae, genera can be separated by larval characters: Mejicanotrichia larvae have oval prosternal sclerites, divided thorax, and prominent square anal prolegs with simple claws; Betrichia lacks diagnostic larval characters in original descriptions. Adults of Mejicanotrichia have three ocelli and tibial spur formula 0-2-4. Identification keys for adults, larvae, and females exist for Mejicanotrichia.

Running waters with high flow; madicolous habitats including waterfall systems and large submerged rocks in turbulent currents. Specific recorded conditions: water temperature 19–25°C, pH 7.8–8.4, hardness 136.8–171 mg CaCO₃/l, dissolved oxygen 4.5–7.6 mg/l.

Neotropical region. Documented from Mexico, Guatemala, Brazil (Rio de Janeiro, Pernambuco, São Paulo, Santa Catarina, Amazonas, Rondônia, Bahia, Sergipe, Amapá, Pará states), Argentina (Misiones province), Surinam, and Uruguay.

Larval case absent until final instar. Final instar constructs seed-like case attached to large submerged rocks in turbulent currents.

Adults active during daylight hours, found on vegetation and substrate along waterfalls or turbulent currents. Larvae inhabit running waters with high flow.

• Other Hydroptilidae subfamiliesLeucotrichiinae distinguished by specific features of antennae, wing venation, and male genitalia; other subfamilies lack this particular combination of traits
• HydroptilinaeAnother subfamily of Hydroptilidae; Leucotrichiinae separated by diagnostic genitalic and antennal characters

• Trichoptera
• Hydroptilidae
• microcaddisfly
• Neotropical
• madicolous
• running water

• BugGuide
• Larval and female descriptions of Mejicanotrichia Harris & Holzenthal, 1997 (Trichoptera, Hydroptilidae, Leucotrichiinae) from Mexico
• Description of a new species of Betrichia Mosely 1939 from Brazil and edescription of the type-species (Trichoptera: Hydroptilidae: Leucotrichiinae)