Studies on the larvae of New Zealand Trichoptera

Abstract

Larvae of 46 species of caddisfly from 14 of the 15 families present in New Zealand are described. A key to the families is included, and where possible there is a key to the spccies in each family. Information on larval habits and habitats, pupation, distribution, and life cycles is given. The classification of Trichoptera is discussed with particular reference to the New Zealand fauna. The origins of the New Zealand caddisflies are discussed, and the possibilities of Indo-Malaysian, Australian, and trans-Antarctic influences are considered. The distribution of some of the species is discussed in relation to paleogeography and present-day climatic features. Larvae described: HYDROPSYCHIDAE — Orthopsyche fimbriata, O. thomasi, Aoteapsyche colonica, A. tepoka, A. raruraru, Diplectrona zealandensis; POLYCENTROPODIDAE — Polyplectropus puerilis, Plectrocnemia maclachlani; PSYCHOMYIIDAE — Ecnomina zealandica; Philopotamidae — Dolophilodes (Hydrobiosella) stenocerca, D. (H.) mixta; Hydroptilidae — Oxyethira albiceps, Paroxyethira hendersoni; Kokiriidae — Kokiria miharo; Oeconesidae — Oeconesus maori, O. similis, Zelandopsyche ingens; Pycnocentrellidae — Pycnocentrella eruensis; Sericostomatidae — Pycnocentria funerea, P. evecta, P. sylvestris, Beraeoptera roria, Pycnocentrodes aeris, P. aureola, P. modesta, Confluens hamiltoni, Conuxia gunni, Olinga feredayi, O. jeanae; HELICOPHIDAE — Zelolessica cheira, Z. sp., Alloecentrella magnicornis; Chathamiidae — Philanisus plebeius; PHILORHEITHRIDAE — Philorheithrus agilis; Helicopsychidae — Helicopsyche zealandica, H. albescens, H. poutini, Rakiura vernale; LEPTOCERIDAE — Triplectides cephalotes, T. obsoleta, T. oreolimnetes, Hudsonema amabilis, H. aliena, Oecetis unicolor, O. iti.