64 Trichoptera

Trichoptera

The first mecopteroid taxon we cover is the Trichoptera (“tricho” =- “hair”), or caddisflies. Adult Trichoptera have wings that are covered in hairs, rather than scales. The wings are folded over the back in a tent-like shape; in other words, angled downwards across the dorsal surface. Most adults also have long antennae. Larvae are aquatic in ponds or streams. Many species build cases out of small sand or gravel particles, or out of other detritus. Still other species build silken nets across gaps between stones to intercept debris and prey items that are caught in the current of streams, while others are entirely free-living.

Trichoptera, along with Ephemeroptera and Plecoptera, are used as important bioindicators of unpolluted (by organic materials) streams, especially where EPT (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera) constitute a significant proportion of the fauna. Larger numbers tend to be found in cool, oxygen-rich streams. They are also important as food for fish and birds.