Code QT149999

Medium sized Trichoptera, inhabitants of intertidal rock pools where the larvae build tubular cases.

Larval head broadly ovoid, labrum with numerous setae. Mesonotum with a pair of weakly sclerotised plates, metanotum with three pairs of weak sclerites covered in numerous setae. A distinct patch of setae on the metasternum and on abdominal sternite 1. Abdomen with branched gills. No lateral fringe. Segment 8 with an irregular lateral row of fine spicules.

The family (2 genera and 4 species) is restricted to New Zealand and Australia. The one Australian species, Philanisus plebeius , occurs also in New Zealand.

References:

Neboiss, A. (1991) Trichoptera. pp. 787-816. In: CSIRO, Insects of Australia . Volume 2. Melbourne University Press, Carlton, Victoria.

Neboiss, A. (1992) Illustrated keys to the families and genera of Australian Trichoptera. 1. Adults. Australian Society for Limnology Special Publication 9. pp. 87.

Riek, E.F. (1976) The marine caddisfly family Chathamiidae (Trichoptera). Journal of the Australian Entomological Society 15 : 405-419.