Code QT129999

A small family of moderate sized Trichoptera with 6 genera, restricted to Tasmania (1 species) and New Zealand (15 species). The larvae are detritivores inhabiting small, fast-flowing streams in forested areas. The cases are constructed from irregular pieces of plant material.

Larval head almost circular, antennae close to the eyes. Pronotum strongly sclerotised, short, with a transverse elliptical bulge on each side. Meso- and metanota with three pairs of sclerites. Abdominal gills present, single or branched. Lateral fringe present. Segment 8 without a lateral row of bifid spicules. Anal claw with 2-3 accessory hooks.

The family Oeconesidae is restricted to Australia, where the single species is restricted to Tasmania, and New Zealand, where the diversity is higher.

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.