Free-living caddis (Costachorema)

Taxonomic group

Hydrobiosidae: Costachorema

Diagnostic features

The New Zealand hydrobiosid caddis larvae have pincers on their forelegs. Costachorema larvae are often first recognised by the extensive black pigmentation on the top of the head. Under the prothorax (first segment behind the head) between the forelegs is a prosternal plate that is much wider than long.

[Costachorema]. Extensive pigmentation on the head. Image: Stephen Moore Image — Costachorema. Extensive pigmentation on the head. Image: Stephen Moore

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

Typical habitats

Costachorema larvae are common in stony streams and rivers, in bush covered and farmland areas.

Feeding

They are predators, feeding on other stream invertebrates.

Indicator value

Hard bottom: 7
Soft bottom: 7.2

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

An abundance of Costachorema larvae indicates good water quality, particularly where mayfly and stonefly nymphs are also abundant. They have tolerance values of 7 (hard bottom sites) and 7.2 (soft bottom sites).