Survival of Diplectrona modesta banks (Trichoptera : Hydropsychidae) during short periods of desiccation

Larvae of the caddisfly, Diplectrona modesta (Hydropsychidae), were found to be permanent inhabitants of a small, intermittent, headwater stream in southern Ontario. They survived desiccation for at least four weeks in summer. A laboratory experiment gave a mean survivorship of 50% after 30 days without water in stream gravel and stones after the larvae had been permitted to construct their shelters. Survivors were those that constructed their tubes deep in the substrate.