Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae of Gunnison County ColoradoIntroduction to Hydropsyche
Common Net Spinner Caddis, Spotted Sedge
Pictet, 1834
Updated 15 February 2026
Provisional Species List
Good Links
Photos, Map, Taxon Identifier Numbers - from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility Hydropsyche at GBIF
Photos, Map, Museums, DNA - Barcode of Life Data System
Illustration - University of Alberta Entomology Collection Species page
Has habitat information, range and more.
Seriochemicals of the genus Hydropsyche https://www.pherobase.com/database/genus/genus-Hydropsyche.php
References
Albertson,LK and Daniels,MD 2016 Resilience of aquatic net-spinning caddisfly silk structures to common global stressors. Freshwater Biology 61(5)670-679. PDF
Alstad,DN 1980 Comparative biology of the common Utah Hydropsychidae (Trichoptera). American Midland Naturalist 103, 167-174.
Banks,N 1905 Descriptions of new neuropteroid insects. Transactions of American Entomological Society 32, 1-20.
Cain,DJ and Luoma,SN 1998 Metal exposures to native populations of the caddisfly Hydropsyche (Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae) determined from cytosolic and whole body metal concentrations. Hydrobiologia, 386(1-3) 103-117. PDF
Cain,DJ; Luoma,SN and Wallace,WG 2004 Linking metal bioaccumulation of aquatic insects to their distribution patterns in a mining-impacted river. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 23, 1463-1473. PDF
Abstract: "Although the differential responses of stream taxa to metal exposure have been exploited for bioassessment and monitoring, the mechanisms affecting these responses are not well understood. In this study, the subcellular partitioning of metals in operationally defined metal-sensitive and detoxified fractions were analyzed in five insect taxa. Samples were collected in two separate years along an extensive metal contamination gradient in the Clark Fork River (MT, USA) to determine if interspecific differences in the metal concentrations of metal-sensitive fractions and detoxified fractions were linked to the differences in distributions of taxa relative to the gradient. Most of the Cd, Cu, and Zn body burdens were internalized and potentially biologically active in all taxa, although all taxa appeared to detoxify metals (e.g., metal bound to cytosolic metal-binding proteins). Metal concentrations associated with metal-sensitive fractions were highest in the mayflies Epeorus albertae and Serratella tibialis, which were rare or absent from the most contaminated sites but occurred at less contaminated sites. Relatively low concentrations of Cu were common to the tolerant taxa Hydropsyche spp. and Baetis spp., which were widely distributed and dominant in the most contaminated sections of the river. This suggested that distributions of taxa along the contamination gradient were more closely related to the bioaccumulation of Cu than of other metals. Metal bioaccumulation did not appear to explain the spatial distribution of the caddisfly Arctopsyche grandis, considered to be a bioindicator of metal effects in the river. Thus, in this system the presence/absence of most of these taxa from sites where metal exposure was elevated could be differentiated on the basis of differences in metal bioaccumulation."
Canton,SP and Chadwick,JW 1983 Seasonal and longitudinal changes in invertebrate functional groups in the Dolores River, Colorado. Freshwater Invertebrate Biology 2(1) 41-47. PDF
Quote from page 46: "Collectors-filterers did not present the pattern expected along this length of stream. During fall, filterers were abundant upstream due to the filter-feeding caddisflies Brachycentrus americanus and Arctopsyche grandis. However, the abundance of filterers at the lowest stations was due primarily to net-spinning caddisflies (Hydropsyche). Filterers did not vary significantly in relative abundance in any season."
Cardinale,BJ; Gelmann,ER and Palmer,MA 2004 Net spinning Caddisflies as stream ecosystem engineers: the influence of Hydropsyche on benthic substrate stability. Funct. Ecol. 18: 381-387. PDF
Abstract: "1. Organisms that physically modify or create habitat (ecosystem engineers) can have a profound influence on community and ecosystem dynamics. 2. Here evidence is presented that one of the most abundant and widely distributed lotic insects could act as an ecosystem engineer in streams by increasing the stability of benthic substrates during flooding. 3. Natural densities of larval net spinning caddisflies (Hydropsychidae) were established in stream channels that had standardized physical properties. The mobility of three particle sizes were measured during simulated flooding and the fraction of particles eroded compared with that of control streams. 4. Larvae increased the initial velocity required to erode sediments by 10-30%. At velocities sufficient to scour 87% of particles from control channels, 57-100% remained stable in channels colonized by larvae. 5. Assuming larvae have similar effects in natural streams, caddisflies could be expected to increase the recurrence interval of a substrate scouring flood from 1.67 year to 2.41 year, corresponding to a 17% decrease in the probability of bed scour per year. 6. Our study suggests these insects could play an important role in generating the spatial 'refuges' that moderate the resistance of lotic communities to flooding. It is argued that, as has occurred in marine systems, a better understanding of how freshwater organisms engineer their physical environment has much potential to complement our historical focus on the abiotic forces that constrain populations and communities."
Clare,EL; Barber,BR; Sweeney,BW; Hebert,PDN and Fenton,MB 2011 Eating local: influences of habitat on the diet of little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus). Molecular Ecology, 20(8), pp.1772-1780. PDF
Clements,WH; Carlisle,DN; Lazorchak,JM and Johnson,PC 2000 Heavy metals structure benthic communities in Colorado mountain streams. Ecological Applications 10(2)626-638. Abstract
Quote from page 633: "Rhyacophila sp.(Fig.5j) was the only caddisfly that showed a significant response to metal level and was lower at medium-metal sites. Differences among metal catagories in abundance of the three other dominant caddisflies, (Brachycentrus americanus, Hydropsyche sp., and Lepidostoma sp.) and the blackfly Simulium sp. were not significant (Fig. 5g, h, i, k)."
Colburn,T 1982 Measurement of low levels of molybdenum in the environment by using aquatic insects. 29, 422-428.
Djernæs,M and Sperling,FAH 2012 Exploring a key synapomorphy: correlations between structure and function in the sternum V glands of Trichoptera and Lepidoptera (Insecta). Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 106: 561-579.
Abstract: " The sternum V glands are a key synapomorphy that unites Trichoptera with Lepidoptera, but their functional aspects have not been analysed from an evolutionary perspective. We examine phylogenetic trends and correlations between chemical and morphological features of these glands. The most likely ancestral gland compounds are heptan-2-ol, 4-hepten-2-one and -ol, nonan-2-one, and 6-nonen-2-one and -ol, making pheromone production a plausible ancestral function. The most widespread gland compounds (heptan-2-one and -ol and nonan-2-one and -ol) are not known from Apataniidae + Limnephilidae (Trichoptera), which in turn uniquely produce a number of methylated 3-ketones and their corresponding alcohols, probably functioning as pheromones. We propose a functional connection between perforated patches on sternum IV in females and a scaly/dome-covered area around the gland openings, as well as between perforated patches and lack of Trichoptera-type opening muscles. We also propose a functional connection between the shape of the gland reservoirs and the presence of gland reservoir musculature. The perforated patches were significantly correlated with several gland compounds that had double bonds between carbon atoms: the double bonds may lower the viscosity of the compounds, facilitating secretion through the tiny pores of the perforated patches. The production of defensive substances in Pycnopsyche (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae) is probably connected to the presence of large, compartmentalized gland reservoirs. Large glands in male Hydropsyche (Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae) are probably linked to male aggregation pheromone production. The relative sizes of sternum V gland reservoirs and fenestral gland reservoirs in female philopotamids (Trichoptera) suggest a complementary function of the two structures."
Dodds,GS and Hisaw,FL 1925 Ecological studies on aquatic insects. IV. Altitudinal range and zonation of mayflies, stoneflies and caddisflies in the Colorado Rockies. Ecology 6(4)380-390.PDF
Elliot,AG; Hubert,WA and Anderson,SH 1997 Habitat associations and effects of urbanization on macroinvertebrates of a small, high-plains stream. Journal of Freshwater Ecology 12 (1) 61-73.
Eum,J-h; Yoe,S-m; Seo,Y-r; Kang,S-w and Han,S-s 2005 Characterization of a novel repetitive secretory protein specifically expressed in the modifid salivary gland of Hydropsyche sp. (Trichoptera; Hydropsyhidae). Ins. Biochem. Molec. Biol. 35: 435-441.
Gaufin,AR; Clubb,R and Newell,R 1974 Studies on the tolerance of aquatic insects to low oxygen concentrations. Great Basin Naturalist 34:45-59. PDF
The authors studied the acute short term tolerance of aquatic insects to low oxygen. They used the 96 hour Median Tolerance Limit. The TLm96 for Hydropsysche sp. was 3.6 mg/l and 32% oxygen saturation.
Geraci,CJ; Zhou,X; Morse,JC and Kjer,KM 2010 Defining the genus Hydropsyche (Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae) based on DNA and morphological evidence. Journal of the North American Benthological Society, 29(3):918-933.
Abstract: "In this paper, we review the history of Hydropsychinae genus-level classification and nomenclature and present new molecular evidence from mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and nuclear large subunit ribosomal ribonucleic acid (28S) markers supporting the monophyly of the genus Hydropsyche. Both molecular and morphological characters support a broad conservative definition of Hydropsyche. Caledopsyche, Hydatomanicus, and Occutanspsyche are synonymized with Hydropsyche. The following species groups are established: Hydropsyche bronta Group (generally corresponding with Ceratopsyche and Hydropsyche morosa and newae Groups), Hydropsyche colonica Group (generally corresponding with Orthopsyche), Hydropsyche instabilis Group (generally corresponding with Hydropsyche s.s.), and Hydropsyche naumanni Group (generally corresponding with Occutanspsyche). Molecular data recovered Hydromanicus as paraphyletic, and Cheumatopsyche and Potamyia as sister taxa. The genus names Plectropsyche and Streptopsyche are reinstated."
Givens,DR and Smith,SD 1980 A synopsis of western Arctopsychinae (Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae). Melanderia 35:1-24.
Gray,LJ and Ward,JV 1979 Food habits of stream benthos at sites of differing food availability. American Midland Naturalist 102 (1) 157-167.
Hauer,FR and Stanford,JA 1982 Ecology and life histories of three net-spinning caddisfly species (Hydropsychidae: Hydropsyche) in the Flathead River, Montana. Freshwater Invertebrate Biology 1:18-29.
Hornberger,MI; Luoma,SN; Johnson,ML and Holyoak,M 2009 Influence of remediation in a mine-impacted river: Metal trends over large spatial and temporal scales. Ecological Applications, 19(6)1522-1535. PDF
Juras,M; Albertson,LK; Cahoon,J and Johnson,E 2018 Incorporating macroinvertebrate biological structures into gravel-bedded stream fluid dynamics using 3D CFD modelling. Ecological Engineering 119:19-28. Abstract
Kiffney,PM 1996a Main and interactive effects of invertebrate density, predation and metals on a Rocky Mountain stream macroinvertebrate community. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 53 7, 1595-1601.
Löfstedt,C; Hansson,BS; Petersson, E; Valeur,P and Richards,A 1994 Pheromonal secretions from glands on the 5th abdominal sternite of hydropsychid and rhyacophilid caddisflies (Trichoptera). Journal of Chemical Ecology (20)153-170.
Mangum,FA and Madrigal,JL 1999 Rotenone effects on aquatic macroinvertebrates of the Strawberry River, Utah: a five-year summary. Journal of Freshwater Ecology, 14(1), 125-135. PDF
Abstract: " Before treatment with a 3 mg/1 Noxfish (0.15 mg/1 active ingredient; rotenone) for 48 hours, benthic invertebrate communities were quantitatively sampled with a modified Surber net. Then spring, summer, and fall post-rotenone samples were taken monthly at each of four Strawberry River stations for five years. Statistical analyses of the data indicated that the application of rotenone had a significant effect on the following species density: Cinygmula sp., Pteronarcella badia, Hesperoperla pacifica, Hydropsyche sp., and Brachycentrus americanus. Thirty-three percent of the benthic invertebrate taxa at the four stations showed resistance to rotenone. Up to 100% of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera species were missing after the second rotenone application. Forty-six percent of the taxa recovered within one year, but 21% of the taxa were still missing after five years. Of the 19 taxa still missing, 47% were Trichoptera, 21% were Ephemeroptera, 16% were Plecoptera, 11% were Coleoptera, and 5% were Megaloptera." Quote from pages 131 and 132: " This genus [Paraleptophlebia sp.] was observed to be tolerant to rotenone by Engstrom-Heg et al. (1978); they also found the caddisfly Hydropsyche sp. was tolerant to rotenone."
Mecom,JO 1972a Feeding habits of Trichoptera in a mountain stream. Oikos 23: 401-407.
Mecom,JO 1972b Productivity and distribution of Trichoptera larvae in a Colorado mountain stream. Hydrobiologia 40(2): 151-176.
Abstract: "From June 1968 to late May, 1969 collections of more than 20,600 immature Trichoptera were made from the St. Vrain River of Colorado. Agapetus sp., Arctopsyche grandis, Brachycentrus americanus, Ecclisomyia maculosa, Hydropsyche sp., Hydropsyche occidentalis, Helicopsyche borealis, Leptocella [now named Nectopsyche] sp., Neothremma alicia, Rhyacophila acropedes, and Sortosa [now named Dolophilodes] sp. were taken at eight sites ranging from 1565 to 3200 m in altitude. The Trichoptera of the St. Vrain exhibited a distinct altitudinal zonation with Zone I (1565 m) dominated by Leptocella, Hydropsyche sp., and Helicopsyche borealis; Zone II (1750 to 2350 m) was dominated by Brachycentrus americanus and Hydropsyche occidentalis; Zone III (2350 m) was considered a transitional area. In Zone IV (2650 m) and Zone V (2950 to 3250 m ) Neothremma alicia and Arctopsyche grandis were the most successful genera, respectively. Temperature is proposed as the major variable controlling attitudinal zonation.
Standing crop productivity of Trichoptera was determined from timed collections and expressed as population density (number of organisms collected per 30 minutes) and organic biomass (dry organic matter represented by organisms collected per 30 minutes). Intermediate altitudes (2300 m) exhibited the lowest productivity but greatest species diversity. Highest productivity occurred below 1600 m but organic biomass was surprisingly high above 2900 m. Changes in productivity in relation to altitude are discussed in relation to temperature, food availability, severe flooding, and other variables. Productivity on a yearly basis was found to be greatest in spring and at minimum levels during autumn and early winter. The holometabolous life cycle of Trichoptera, temperature, and current seem to be the major governing factors of seasonal productivity."
Nimmo,AP 1987 The adult Arctopsyche and Hydropsyche (Trichoptera) of Canada and adjacent United States. Questiones Entomologicae 23:1-189.
Nimmo,AP 1995 New species of Hydropsychidae and Limnephilidae (Insecta, Trichoptera) from the far east of Russia, with description of a new genus of Limnephilidae (Limnephilini). Occasional Papers on Trichoptera Taxonomy 1, 1-15.
Oláh,J and Johanson,KA 2008 Generic review of Hydropsychinae, with description of Schmidopsyche, new genus, 3 new genus clusters, 8 new species groups, 4 new species clades, 12 new species clusters and 62 new species from the Oriental and Afrotropical regions (Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae). Zootaxa, 1802 (1), 1-248. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.1802.1.1 PDF
Abstract: "The taxonomy of the genera of Hydropsychinae is revised. The following genera are synonymized: Hydatomanicus Ulmer, 1951 and Hydatopsyche Ulmer, 1926 are synonymized with Hydromanicus Brauer, 1865; Streptopsyche Ross and Unzicker, 1977 is synonymized with Calosopsyche Ross and Unzicker, 1977; Symphitopsyche Ulmer, 1907, Mexipsyche Ross and Unzicker, 1977, Ceratopsyche Ross and Unzicker, 1977 and Herbertorossia Ulmer, 1957 are synonymized with Hydropsyche Pictet, 1834; and Plectropsyche Ross, 1947 is synonymized with Cheumatopsyche Wallengren, 1891. A new genus, Schmidopsyche Oláh and Schefter, new genus is established and the single species in the genus, S. rossi Oláh and Schefter, new species is described and illustrated, based on material collected by Schmid in Sikkim in 1959. The additional 61 new species are described and illustrated: India: Hydromanicus krsamgin Oláh and Barnard, new species; H. sacso Oláh and Johanson, new species; H. naraik Oláh and Barnard, new species; H. palnis Oláh and Barnard, new species; H. topali Oláh and Johanson, new species; Hydropsyche januha Oláh and Barnard, new species; H. kamenga Oláh and Schefter, new species; H. mizora Oláh and Schefter, new species; H. narayana Oláh and Johanson, new species; H. khasigiri Oláh and Barnard, new species; H. igunapali Oláh and Schefter, new species; H. kangra Oláh and Barnard, new species; H. kiogupa Oláh and Schefter, new species; H. minutanga Oláh and Johanson, new species; H. tritiyaha Oláh and Barnard, new species; H. ekaropa Oláh and Schefter, new species; H. yathetima Oláh and Schefter, new species; H. keralana Oláh and Barnard, new species; H. semkala Oláh and Johanson, new species; H. shillonga Oláh and Barnard, new species; Cheumatopsyche barakambra Oláh and Johanson, new species; C. mariannae Oláh and Johanson, new species; C. sandrae Oláh and Johanson, new species; Potamyia assamana Oláh and Schefter, new species. Vietnam: Hydromanicus demden Oláh and Johanson, new species; and Hydropsyche soinha Oláh and Johanson, new species (also from Malaysia); H. tanung Oláh and Johanson, new species; H. lomdom Oláh and Johanson, new species; H. sangbung Oláh and Johanson, new species; H. keoda Oláh and Johanson, new species; H. xenga Oláh and Johanson, new species; and Cheumatopsyche simayorum Oláh and Johanson, new species. Malaysia: Hydropsyche gekilara Oláh and Barnard, new species; H. tanua Oláh and Barnard, new species; and H. namea Oláh and Barnard, new species. Philippines: Hydropsyche meyi Oláh and Johanson, new species; Cheumatopsyche anonima Oláh and Johanson, new species; C. kuranishii Oláh and Johanson, new species; and C. montapo Oláh and Johanson, new species. Papua New Guinea: Hydropsyche flintorum Oláh and Johanson, new species; and H. carolae Oláh and Johanson, new species. Tibet: Hydropsyche gyantsana Oláh and Barnard, new species. Nepal: Hydropsyche nepalarawa Oláh and Johanson, new species; and Cheumatopsyche chitawana Oláh and Johanson, new species. China: Hydropsyche chengdu Oláh and Barnard, new species; and Cheumatopsyche yangmorseorum Oláh and Johanson, new species. Iran: Hydropsyche masula Oláh and Johanson, new species. New Caledonia: Orthopsyche anulmika Oláh and Johanson, new species. Japan: Cheumatopsyche okinawana Oláh and Johanson, new species; and C. tanidai Oláh and Johanson, new species. Taiwan: Cheumatopsyche davisi Oláh and Johanson, new species; and C. tungpa Oláh and Johanson, new species. Sri Lanka: Cheumatopsyche hasalaka Oláh and Johanson, new species. South Africa: Cheumatopsyche krugerana Oláh and Johanson, new species. Madagascar: Cheumatopsyche mafana Oláh and Johanson, new species; C. nondra Oláh and Johanson, new species; C. tiokalamkita Oláh and Johanson, new species; C. fianara Oláh and Johanson, new species; C. masiposa Oláh and Johanson, new species; C. ranoma Oláh and Johanson, new species; and C. rantsoa Oláh and Johanson, new species. The following species are synonymized: Hydropsyche kawamurai Tsuda, 1940 is synonymized with H. kozhantschikovi Martynov, 1924, Hydropsyche belos Malicky and Chantaramongkol, 2000 is synonymized with H. klimai Mey, 1999, Hydropsyche taiwanensis Mey, 1997 is synonymized with H. spinata Kobayashi, 1987, and Cheumatopsyche copiosa Kimmins, 1956 is synonymized with C. columnata Martynov, 1935. Recognized genera are divided into previously established and new species groups, defined by shared diagnostic characters. All Oriental species of Hydropsyche Pictet and Hydromanicus Brauer are grouped into different levels of species groups based on similar morphology in male genitalia."
Peckarsky,BL 1986 Colonization of natural substrates by stream benthos. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 43, 700-709. PDF
Piccardo,M; Bertoli,M; Pastorino,P; Barceló,D; Provenza,F; Lesa,D; Anselmi,S; Elia,AC; Prearo,M; Pizzul,E and Renzi,M 2021 Lethal and sublethal responses of Hydropsyche pellucidula (Insecta, Trichoptera) to commercial polypropylene microplastics after different preconditioning treatments. Toxics, 9(10), p.256. PDF
Abstract: "Microplastics (MPs) pose biological and chemical hazards in aquatic and terrestrial food webs across the globe. Research on microplastic contamination has long focused on marine ecosystems, whereas the toxicological impact on freshwater organisms is still little explored. In this study, the lethal and sublethal response of the freshwater macroinvertebrate Hydropsyche pellucidula exposed to polypropylene MPs after different pre-conditioning treatments was assessed. Field samples were collected in a riverine system (Vipacco river; northeast Italy) to assess the characteristics of the MPs in the aquatic environment Both water and sediment were contaminated by MPs (3.73 ± 2.11 items m-3 per min and 3.33 ± 4.16 items dm-3, respectively). The chemical MPs composition included polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyurethane, polyamide, polypropylene, and polyethylene. Polypropylene (PP), although not the most abundant polymer recorded in the study area, was preferred over the other types according to its abundance in freshwater and H. pellucidula feeding behavior. A housing test was performed to recreate the natural conditions of larvae sampled for a reliable response to the ecotoxicological tests. The microplastics underwent either preconditioning with Vipacco River water (PP-river) and surfactant Triton X-100 (PP-sf) or no pre-treatment (PP). Submersion of microplastics in 10 µg L-1 of surfactant solution for 24 h was sufficient to induce consistent spectral changes and modify the chemical profile of the plastic surface. Mortality rate differed according to treatment: PP and PP-river > positive control > PP-sf > negative control. Integrated biomarker response (IBRv2) and analysis of oxidative stress biomarker levels showed a greater response of superoxide dismutase and lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde) in larvae treated with PP conditioned in surfactant. Our findings enhance knowledge on the toxicity of PP and conditioning phases on H. pellucidula larvae."
Pictet,FJ 1834 Recherches pour servir à l'histoire et l'anatomie des Phryganides. A. Cherbuliez, Geneva.
Rader RB and Ward JV. 1988 Influence of regulation on environmental conditions and the macroinvertebrate community in the upper Colorado River. Regulated Rivers: Research and Management 2:597-618. PDF
Quote from page 611 and 612: "The reference site was represented by twelve species of caddisflies, including relatively abundant populations of Arctopsyche grandis and Rhyacophila acropedes. Trichopterans at the regulated site, however, were represented by nine rare and three slightly more abundant caddisflies (Hydroptila sp., Brachycentrus americanus, and Hesperophylax designatus). The abundance of net-spinning caddisflies was significantly reduced in the regulated site compared to both reference and recovery locations (p=0.05), as has been reported by several workers (Armitage and Capper, 1976; Müller, 1962; Ward, 1987).
The thirteen species of Trichoptera in the recovery site included four of the most abundant species of macroinvertebrates at that site: Glossosoma ventrale, Brachycentrus americanus, Lepidostoma ormeum, Oligophlebodes minutes. Ward (1987) summarized the effects of regulation on Trichoptera in Rocky Mountain streams and concluded that Rhyacophila and Hydropsyche were the only genera commonly occurring at both regulated and reference locations, whereas Brachycentrus, Glossosoma, Arctopsyche, and Lepidostoma were often reduced or absent in regulated segments. With the exception of Brachycentrus americanus, which was significantly more abundant in the regulated and recovery sites, compared to the reference site (p=0.05), data from this study concur with previous conclusions concerning the influence of reguation on Trichoptera (Ward, 1987). "
Roline,R 1988 The effects of heavy metals pollution of the upper Arkansas River on the distribution of aquatic macroinvertebrates. Hydrobiologia 160: 3-8.
They sampled the Arkansas River upstream and downstream of mine drainage and clean water inputs in 1979 and 1980. After compositing 3 surber samplers in the field, they identified the macroinvertebrates to genus level and used a diversity index to evaluate the health of the macroinvertebrate community. Higher diversity is better. Diversity decreased downstream of heavy metal pollution from the Leadville Drain and California Gulch and increased downstream of clean water inputs.
Quote from page 8: "A tricopteran, Hydropsyche, was found in some abundance throughout the study area except at AR-3 where metal concentrations were highest. "
Ross,HH 1944 The Caddis Flies, or Trichoptera, of Illinois. Natural History Survey of Illinois 23 Los Angeles, CA. 326 pages.
Contains keys to species for some adult Hydropsyche.
Ross,HH and Unzicker,JD 1977 The relationships of the genera of American Hydropsychinae as indicated by phallic structures (Trichoptera, Hydropsychidae). Journal of the Georgia Entomological Society 12:298-312.
Schefter,PW 2005 Re-evaluation of genera in the subfamily Hydropsychinae (Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae). Aquatic Insects 27(2) 133 - 154 DOI: 10.1080/01650420500062758 PDF
Abstract: "The problem of generic attributions in the subfamily Hydropsychinae is reviewed. Historic morphological characters are evaluated and new morphological characters are introduced, including characters from all life history stages when available. A natural classification depends on maximizing the number of specimens studied and the number of universally applicable characters used. A cladistic analysis was performed based on examination of representative species of the world hydropsychine fauna and use of characters that embody the panoply of morphological attributes expressed in the subfamily. The analysis suggests that decisions based on insufficient evidence may have allowed six presently recognized genera to be reassigned from Hydropsyche. Therefore, a conservative approach toward classification changes within the subfamily is urged. A key to males of 11 genera resulting from the analysis is presented."
Schefter,PW and Wiggins,GB 1986 A systematic study of the nearctic larvae of the Hydropsyche morosa group (Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae). The Royal Ontario Museum. Toronto Canada.
Schuster,GA 1977 A previously unreported gland and associated structure found in the genus Hydropsyche. ASB Bulletin 24:83.
Statzner,B and Mondy,N 2009 Variation of colour patterns in larval Hydropsyche (Trichoptera): implications for species identifications and the phylogeny of the genus. Limnologica, 39(2), pp.177-183. HTML
Abstract: "Larvae of the lotic caddisfly genus Hydropsyche may occur in densities of thousands to several tens of thousands of individuals/m2 across continents and running water types. Therefore, stream ecologists frequently face the task of identifying larvae of this genus. Early keys to larval Hydropsyche of Asia, Europe and North America often used the relatively complicated frontoclypeal colour pattern for species discrimination, whereas equivocal views about the variation of this pattern limited its use in recent keys. Has each species of a given species group a different (although intraspecifically variable) basic pattern of lighter spots on the darker frontoclypeus, or have all species of a group the same basic colour pattern that varies more or less intraspecifically? An answer to this question has obvious implications for the identification of the species as well as for the phylogeny of the genus, so we examined the variation of this colour pattern across ~11,000 specimens of 10 Hydropsyche species from the Loire River (France).
All 10 species had the same basic colour pattern on the frontoclypeus (six contrasting light patches on a dark background) that varied intraspecifically across a certain range of colour contrasts. Comparing other sources illustrating the frontoclypeus of Hydropsyche larvae provided more support for the idea that six contrasting light patches on the frontoclypeus is the typical basic colour pattern that varies within almost all European species; males of these species have a simple phallus form. Two European and many North American species of the genus (from the Ceratopsyche group) have a different basic colour pattern of seven light patches on the frontoclypeus that varies also intraspecifically; males of these species have a complicated phallus form.
If the variation of such colour patterns in co-existing populations of several species is known, the relative contrast differences among the individual patches on the frontoclypeus and the form of the individual patches can provide valuable information for rapid species identification. Analysis of this variation may also contribute to phylogenetic studies of the genus Hydropsyche and other hydropsychids."
Torres-Ruiz,M, Wehr,JD and Perrone,AA 2007 Trophic relations in a stream food web: importance of fatty acids for macroinvertebrate consumers. Journal of the North American Benthological Society 26: 509-522. Abstract
Voelz,NJ; Poff,NL and Ward,JV 1994 Differential effects of a brief thermal disturbance on caddisflies (Trichoptera) in a regulated river. American Midland Naturalist 132 (1) 173-182.
Voelz,NJ and Ward,JV 1996 Microdistributions, food resources and feeding habits of filter-feeding Trichoptera in the Upper Colorado River. Archiv fur Hydrobiologie 137 (3) 325-348.
Wagner,R; Aurich,M; Reder,E and Veith,HJ 1990 Defensive secretions from the larvae of Apatania fimbriata (Pictet)(Trichoptera: Limnephilidae). Chemoecology, 1(3), pp.96-104. PDF
Abstract: "When the larvae of the caddis fly Apatania fimbriata (Pictet) are threatened, drops of fluid appear on their head capsules. The secretions are produced in a gland in the dorsal part of the prothorax. The neck region contains an eversible sac with numerous single setae, groups of 3 setae, or rows of setae on the surface. The secretion is released through two paris of orifices on the lateral sides of the sac. For the most part the secretion is composed of some 30 fatty acids, with the major components having 12—14 carbon atoms and up to 4 double bonds (approx. 1—2 µg secretion per specimen). Biotests with synthetic saturated acids (C6—C12) in a stream and in the laboratory demonstrated a paralysing effect on small invertebrate predators (Rhyacophila sp.,Plectrocnemia conspersa, Hydropsyche sp., larvae, all Trichoptera). In choice experiments, Rhyacophila sp. larvae preferred larvae of Agapetus fuscipes and Drusus annulatus (Trichoptera) as food as compared with Apatania fimbriata larvae. Larger predators, such as Dinocras cephalotes (Insecta, Plecoptera) and the fish Cottus gobio, did not discriminate between Apatania fimbriata and other prey species. The use of fatty acids in defensive secretions is interpreted as an adaptation to the running water environment. They are effective repellents against Rhyacophila sp. larvae, the most important predator in the natural environment of Apatania larvae."
Warnick,SL and Bell,HL 1969 The acute toxicity of some heavy metals to different insects. Journal Water Pollution Control Federation 41 (2) 280-284.
Williams,DD 1980 Some relationships between stream benthos and substrate heterogeneity. Limnology and oceanography, 25(1), pp.166-172. PDF
Abstract: "Baskets filled with stones, to give four different degrees of heterogeneity, were placed in a stream and made available for colonization by benthic invertebrates. No difference resulted in the total numbers and weights of animals colonizing; 26% of the species, however, showed clear substrate preferences, 35% showed slight preferences, and 39% showed none. The last group made up most of the benthic invertebrate biomass. A high quantity of detritus accumulated in each substrate, and this may account for the similar densities of detritivores collected on all four substrates."
Williams,DD; Tavares,AF and Bryant,E 1987 Respiratory device or camouflage? A case for the caddisfly. Oikos 50(1): 42-52. PDF
Abstract:"Two hypotheses exist as to the function of the tubular cases constructed from silk and debris by caddisfly (Trichoptera) larvae. One proposes that they provide protection for the larvae by camouflaging them against their background or by providing resistance to the jaws of predators. The other proposes that the case acts as an aid to respiration as, by undulating its abdomen, the larva can create a flow of water through the case and over its gills. We measured, in respirometer chambers at 13°C, the uptake of dissolved oxygen by larvae of 22 species of caddisfly representing a variety of habitat types and phylogenetic lines. Oxygen uptake by larvae in their cases was compared with that of larvae without cases and the species fell into three basic groups: in Group A, representing seven families, the cases appeared to confer a respiratory advantage upon the larvae through reduced levels of oxygen uptake and moderation of respiration rates (i.e., by optimizing rather than maximizing oxygen consumption); in Group B, representing two families, the cases appeared to be a disadvantage to respiration (larvae in their cases consumed more oxygen than they did in the absence of their cases); and in Group C, representing the largest family, the Limnephilidae, for most of the species tested the cases appeared to confer no respiratory advantage (no differences between the amounts of oxygen consumed by larvae in their cases and alone). Given the many uses to which silk has been put in the Trichoptera, it seems reasonable to suppose that construction of a tubular case does not dictate a single function across all case-building species. Our data point to a respiratory function in some species but to a non-respiratory function (probably protection from predators) in others, particularly in the Limnephilidae."
Wilson,MJ; McTammany,ME and Bohr,HR 2019 Manganese oxides as localized drivers of benthic invertebrate density and community structure. Hydrobiologia, 838, pp.85-98. PDF
Abstract: "Oxidized manganese (Mn) forms tightly bound, dark precipitates on exposed rock surfaces in rivers, which could impact benthic communities. We combined a field survey with two experiments to identify patterns in benthic invertebrate community structure and potential mechanisms creating these patterns on substrates coated with Mn oxides and on 'uncoated' substrates in a large gravel-bed river. Uncoated substrate had roughly seven times higher densities of benthic macroinvertebrates, particularly fixed retreat filter feeders such as Brachycentrus, Rheotanytarsus, and Hydropsyche, while clinger taxa had similar densities between coated and uncoated substrates. In a substrate preference experiment conducted in laboratory microcosms, nymphs of a swimming mayfly (Isonychia bicolor) were more likely to avoid Mn-coated than uncoated substrate, while nymphs of a clinger mayfly family (Heptageniidae) showed no significant substrate preference or avoidance. In a field colonization experiment, invertebrate communities established on Mn-coated substrate had significantly higher variability in taxonomic composition but similar densities to communities on uncoated rocks. Combined, these results demonstrate a large difference in biological communities and describe patterns that occur during community assembly on Mn-coated substrate. While established communities responded negatively to Mn oxides, our results indicated coated substrate might also create community heterogeneity within large river riffle habitats."
Zuellig,RE; Kondratieff,BC and Rhodes,HA 2002 Benthos recovery after an eposodic sediment release into a Colorado Rocky Mountain river. Western North American Naturalist 62 (1) 59-72.
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