Systematic studies on the immature stages of New Zealand Trichoptera (caddis flies)

Abstract

A new family of caddis flies, the Oeconesidae is erected to include those genera originally in the tribe Oeconesini of the family Sericostomatidae. Dolophilodes (Hydrobiosella) stenocerca (Tillyard, 1924) is divided into two species and the genus Pycnocentrodes Tillyard, 1924 revised with the formation of a new species. Larval descriptions are given for 46 species from 14 of the 15 families represented in New Zealand (Rhyacophilidae are not included) and aspects of their biology discussed. Family characteristics of pupae are listed. Keys to the New Zealand families based on larval and pupal caddis are included and also keys to the known larvae within each family. The classification of caddis is discussed with particular reference to our New Zealand forms, and Alloecentrella magnicornis Wise, 1958 is transferred to the Helicophidae. Origins of our caddis fauna are considered and distributions with respect to palaeogeography and present climatic factors are discussed.