Code QT159999

Small to medium sized Trichoptera that live in fast-flowing, clear streams. The larvae construct slightly curved, tubular, cylindrical cases of small stones, sand grains, plant material or silk.

Larvae are characterised by having the antennae close to the anterior margin of the head, the mesonotum almost entirely covered with sclerites, metanotum with either one or two pairs of sclerites. The dorsal hump on abdominal segment 1 is reduced (compared to other limnephiloid trichopterans). Gills may be present or absent, but lateral fringe absent and segment 8 with a row of bifid spicules. Segment 9 with dorsal sclerotisation. Anal claw with a small accessory hook.

The family is restricted to the south-west Pacific and Australasian region. Conoesucids are widespread in eastern Australia and Tasmania, also occurring in South Australia. Australia has 8 species in 6 genera.

References:

Dean, J.C., St Clair, R.M. and Cartwright, D.J. (1995) A key to late instar larvae of Australian Trichoptera families. In: Hawking, J.H. (ed.) Monitoring River Health initiative: Taxonomic Workshop Handbook. Murray-Darling Freshwater Research Centre, Victoria, Australia.

Jackson, J.E. (1991) The larvae of Calocidae and Conoesucidae from Tasmania. Taxonomy Workshop, Murray-Darling Freshwater Research Centre, Victoria, Australia.

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.