Code QT199999

The family cannot be separated from the Calocidae. Small to medium sized Trichoptera found in swift-flowing streams in forested areas. Larvae construct slightly curved, cylindrical cases of sand grains or plant fragments. The larval head is circular, antennae midway between eye and anterior margin. Mesonotum with reduced sclerites. Metanotal sclerites small. Abdominal segment 1 with dorsal and lateral humps. No gills, no lateral fringe, and no sclerotisation on segment 9. Lateral band of bifid spicules present on segment 8. Claw of anal proleg with a single accessory hook.

The family Helicophidae is restricted to Australia and New Zealand. The family comprises 6 species in 2 genera in Australia.

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.

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.