Code QT119999

Small to medium sized Trichoptera found in shallow, vegetation-rich lakes and swamps. The larvae construct untidy tubular cases from irregularly criss-crossed, short pieces of cut vegetation., often in warm, shallow, macrophyte-dominated lotic conditions.

Larval head slightly longer than wide, antennae mid way between eye and lateral margin. Pronotum short with a transverse elliptical bulge. Meso- and metanota each with three pairs of sclerites, though those on the metanotum rather indistinct. Abdominal gills present, single or branched. Lateral fringe present. Abdominal segment 8 without a lateral row of bifid spicules (cf. Limnephilidae). Abdominal segment 9 with a dorsal sclerite. Anal claws with two accessory hooks.

The family Plectrotarsidae is endemic to Australia, with 5 species in 3 genera, and with a restricted distribution in the south-west and south-east, including Tasmania.

The larvae are known for only one of the three 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.

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.