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Kokiria caddisfly (Kokiriidae)

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Taxonomic group

Kokiriidae: Kokiria

Diagnostic features

Kokiria caddis larvae construct mobile cases out of fine sand grains.  The case is a tube, but the dorsal (upper) surface is expanded to the sides and front creating a protective shield (preventing the animal from being seen from above).  The hind legs support long black spines.

[Kokiria]. Image: Stephen Moore Image
Kokiria. Image: Stephen Moore
[Kokiria]. Image: Stephen Moore Image
Kokiria. Image: Stephen Moore

Typical habitats

Kokiria larvae are only known from the North and West of the South Island.  They live in stony and sandy stream habitats.

Feeding

The forelegs and mid legs appear raptorial (designed for grasping prey) so we assume this caddis larva is a predator of other stream invertebrates.

Indicator value

  • Hard bottom: 9
  • Soft bottom: unassigned

The tolerance values (ranging from 0 to 10) give an indication of which are the sensitive taxa (values of 8 or more) and which are the tolerant taxa (values of 3 or less). For more information see: Indicator species

Kokiria are known from high quality South Island streams. They have a tolerance value of 9 for hard bottom sites, but there is no value for soft bottom sites.