Code QT179999

Small to medium sized Trichoptera found in a wide range of habitats from cool, fast-flowing streams to the warm littoral zones of lakes.

Helicopsychid larvae build a unique, snail-like coiled case out of fine sand grains. At least one species was originally described (from the 'shell') as a mollusc.

The larval head is ovoid with a prominent labrum. Pro- and metanotal sclerites are well developed, with the metanotal sclerites being small. Abdominal gills are short and few in number. Anal claw with a comb-like row of teeth.

The family is widespread, known from all faunal regions. A single genus, Helicopsyche, with 6 species, is known from most parts of Australia.

References:

Dean, J.C. and Cartwright, D.I. (1991) Keys to families of Australian Trichoptera larvae. Taxonomy Workshop, Murray-Darling Freshwater Research Centre, Victoria, Australia.

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.

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.