Philopotamidae

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Common Name

Fingernet Caddisfly Larvae

Scientific Name

Phylum

Arthropoda

Class

Insecta

Order

Trichoptera

Family

Philopotamidae

Lab Storage

Feeding

Collector-filterers. Philopotamidae larvae construct fine-mesh nets (<1-15 microns) and consume particles of detritus. Smaller animals that are caught are also consumed.

Water Quality Tolerance

Mainly somewhat sensitive, others very sensitive.

Fact

13-17mm. Retreat length 25-60mm, diameter 3-5mm. Larvae are almost always collected free from their dwellings. Many kinds are yellow-orange when alive but turn white when preserved. The tops of the second and third thorax segments do not have plates.

Habitat

Lotic-erosional. Most common in small, cool, clear stream but can also be found in warm rivers. Larvae can be found in protected areas where the current is reduced.

References

Voshell & Wright. 2002.