Cased caddis (Zelandopsyche)

Taxonomic group

Oeconesidae: Zelandopsyche

Diagnostic features

Zelandopsyche caddis larvae construct robust mobile cases using small plant fragments (typically fine wood fragments). They have a circular, shiny head with a relatively flat top. The mesonotum (second segment behind the head) has 6 coloured (sclerotised) plates with darkened hind edges.

[Zelandopsyche]. Image: Stephen Moore Image — Zelandopsyche. Image: Stephen Moore

[Zelandopsyche]. Mesonotal plates with darkened hind edges. Image: Stephen Moore Image — Zelandopsyche. Mesonotal plates with darkened hind edges. Image: Stephen Moore

Typical habitats

Zelandopsyche larvae are found in bush covered (usually beech forest) streams, only in the South Island.

Feeding

They are shredders, feeding on leaf litter and woody debris.

Indicator value

Zelandopsyche larvae are found in beech forest streams where good water quality would be expected. No tolerance values have been assigned to this genus.