Moth flies

Code QD129999

Larval Psychodidae can be distinguished by the subdivision of each segment, with each subdivision dorsally sclerotised. In the subfamily Psychodinae, the abdomen ends in a tubular siphon with spiracles borne at the apex. Fringes of hairs on the siphon may allow the larva to stay at the surface of anoxic habitats.

Many Psychodid larvae are not fully aquatic, with many found in semi-terrestrial moist habitats, or in rotting wood (subfamily Trichomyiinae), compost, leaf litter, phytotelmata ( Clogmia ) etc. Those that are aquatic tend to be either hygropetric or tolerant of eutrophication/anoxia. After heavy rain, riparian species may be washed into the adjacent aquatic habitat. Rather few life histories are known from Australia.