Net-building caddis (Aoteapsyche)

Taxonomic group

Hydropsychidae: Aoteapsyche

Diagnostic features

Hydropsychid caddis larvae have hardened (sclerotised) plates on each of the 3 thoracic segments, and gill tufts under the abdomen. Aoteapsyche caddis larvae are distinguished by the presence of fine hairs covering the abdomen, and 7 sets of abdominal gills.

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

[Aoteapsyche]. Gills under abdomen. Image: Stephen Moore Image — Aoteapsyche. Gills under abdomen. Image: Stephen Moore

Typical habitats

Aoteapsyche larvae are abundant in many stony streams and rivers, and they reach greatest abundance downstream of lake outlets.

Feeding

They construct filter-feeding nets attached to the streambed to trap drifting particulate food items, including algae and other invertebrates.

Indicator value

Hard bottom: 4
Soft bottom: 6

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

Aoteapsyche larvae are common in streams of moderate to good quality, so they are not particularly useful as water quality indicators. They have tolerance values of 4 (hard bottom sites) and 6 (soft bottom sites).