Dibusa angata
Ross, 1939
A small caddisfly with a highly specialized tied to a single food source. Larvae are obligate associates of the freshwater red Lemanea australis, using its filaments for both case construction and nutrition. This represents a rare documented case of a freshwater insect feeding on a red alga. The has a with in spring.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Dibusa angata: /dɪˈbuːsə ˈæŋɡətə/
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Identification
Larvae can be recognized by their distinctive portable cases constructed from woven filaments of the red Lemanea australis. are small hydroptilid ; specific diagnostic features for separating D. angata from require examination of genitalic .
Habitat
Freshwater streams supporting growth of the red Lemanea australis. suitability is directly determined by presence of this specific algal .
Distribution
Nearctic region; documented from Vermont, USA. North American distribution more broadly indicated but specific range boundaries require verification.
Seasonality
emerge in spring. Larval development occurs through winter months.
Diet
Filaments of the red Lemanea australis; this represents the primary and apparently exclusive food source.
Host Associations
- Lemanea australis - obligatelarvae construct cases from algal filaments and feed on it as sole food source
Life Cycle
; larvae develop through winter, occurs in spring, emerge in spring
Behavior
Larvae construct portable cases using filaments of Lemanea australis, maintaining an obligate dependency on this specific red for both shelter and nutrition throughout larval development.
Similar Taxa
- Other HydroptilidaeLarvae of most hydroptilids construct cases from diverse materials including sand, plant fragments, or detritus; D. angata is distinguished by exclusive use of Lemanea australis filaments
- Other Dibusa species likely overlap in geographic range and ; separation requires detailed examination of genitalic structures and larval case composition