Periphyton-grazer
Guides
Argyractini
Argyractini is a tribe of aquatic moths within the subfamily Acentropinae (Crambidae). The tribe includes several genera of small to medium-sized moths whose larvae are adapted to life in freshwater habitats. Adults are generally nocturnal and are attracted to light. The group is primarily distributed in the New World, with most species occurring in the Neotropical region.
Baetis bicaudatus
small minnow mayfly
Baetis bicaudatus is a small minnow mayfly in the family Baetidae, described by Dodds in 1923. It inhabits streams across western North America from Alaska to the southwestern United States and northern Canada. The species is bivoltine, producing two generations annually, with distinct summer and winter generations that differ in size and susceptibility to parasitism. Adults exhibit characteristic mayfly behavior including swarming mating aggregations, while nymphs are important grazers on periphyton in stream ecosystems.
Deuterophlebia shasta
Deuterophlebia shasta is a species of mountain midge in the family Deuterophlebiidae, first described by Wirth in 1951. This family represents one of the most primitive lineages of true flies (Diptera), with larvae that are highly specialized for life in cold, fast-flowing mountain streams. The species epithet 'shasta' refers to Mount Shasta in northern California, indicating the type locality. Deuterophlebiidae larvae are notable for their unusual body plan, featuring six pairs of ventral suckers that allow them to cling to rocks in torrential currents.
Dicosmoecus atripes
northern caddisfly
Dicosmoecus atripes is a limnephilid caddisfly native to North America. The species has been documented in Rocky Mountain streams of Alberta, Canada, where it exhibits a two-year life cycle with distinct seasonal emergence and larval diapause. Larval microhabitat and dietary preferences shift between early and late instars.
Gonielmis
Gonielmis is a genus of riffle beetles (family Elmidae) described by Sanderson in 1954. These beetles are aquatic insects associated with flowing water habitats. The genus belongs to the tribe Elmini within the subfamily Elminae. Taxonomic status varies between sources, with some treating it as a synonym of Heterlimnius while others recognize it as valid.
Molanna
hood casemakers
Molanna is a genus of caddisflies (order Trichoptera) commonly known as hood casemakers, comprising over 20 described species. Larvae construct portable cases from sand grains and inhabit shallow freshwater environments including lake margins and spring-fed streams. Adults exhibit sex-specific antennal morphology and chemical communication, with females producing sex pheromones that attract males to mating sites near water.
Petrophila bifascialis
two-banded petrophila moth
Petrophila bifascialis is a small crambid moth found across eastern and central North America. Adults are active from late spring through early autumn. The species is notable for its aquatic larval stage, which feeds on algae and diatoms in freshwater habitats. Adults have a wingspan of 11–24 mm and display two distinct dark bands across the forewings.
Psephenus
water penny beetles
Psephenus is a genus of water penny beetles comprising approximately 13 described species. Larvae are aquatic, highly flattened, and cling to submerged stones in streams using ventral sucking discs. Adults are terrestrial, do not feed, and aggregate near water for mating. The genus exhibits strong associations with stream riffles and turbulent water environments.