Ochrotrichia

Mosely, 1934

microcaddisfly

Species Guides

1

Ochrotrichia is a large of microcaddisflies ( Hydroptilidae) comprising approximately 226 extant , making it the most species-rich microcaddisfly genus in the Neotropics. The genus is predominantly distributed in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions, with one exceptional African record from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Species are primarily found in freshwater stream .

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ochrotrichia: //ˌoʊkroʊˈtrɪkiə//

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Identification

males are diagnosed by the of X and the spine-like setae of the inferior appendages. -level identification relies heavily on male genitalic characters, particularly the structure of tergum X (divided or undivided) and the shape of the inferior appendages. The O. aldama Species Group is characterized by a divided tergum X in male genitalia.

Habitat

Streams and riverine environments in protected and preserved areas. Specimens have been collected from the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado biomes in Brazil, as well as from Rica and other Neotropical localities.

Distribution

Primarily Nearctic and Neotropical; recorded from the United States, Mexico, Central America ( Rica, Panama, Honduras), South America (Brazil, Colombia, Peru), and the Caribbean (Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico). One exceptional Afrotropical record: Ochrotrichia verbekei from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Within Brazil, occur in the Atlantic Forest, Cerrado, and newly recorded from the Central-West region (Federal District), Paraná, São Francisco, and Tocantins hydrographic basins.

Behavior

are attracted to light traps (Collapsible light trap, ) and have been collected using these methods in stream environments.

Ecological Role

Aquatic insects forming part of stream and riverine .

Tags

Sources and further reading