Hydatophylax argus
This record describes Hydatophylax argus (species). Recorded family: Limnephilidae. Recorded order: Trichoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adult: head and posterior dorsal thorax yellow; forewing with about 10 clear oval patches surrounded by brown shading near middle of wing; band of clear elongate cells along outer margin, separated by brown veins; basal half of wing with whitish veins edged in brown; antennae black, unmarked, shorter than length of forewing; legs yellowish basally, dark distally page creation based on Simon Carmichael's identification of this image
Wikipedia reference for Hydatophylax argus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydatophylax_argus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Trichoptera (Caddisflies)
- Suborder
- Integripalpia
- Superfamily
- Limnephiloidea
- Family
- Limnephilidae (Northern Caddisflies)
- Subfamily
- Limnephilinae
- Tribe
- Stenophylacini
- Genus
- Hydatophylax
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Newfoundland to South Carolina, west to Alababma, north to Saskatchewan In a PDF doc here , Pescador and Rasmussen state: "The occurrence of the species in Florida is doubtful. Larvae of Hydatophylax are easily confused with those of Pycnopsyche ."
Seasonal Activity
adults fly in June
About Caddisflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Trichoptera, the group containing Hydatophylax argus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Trichoptera (caddisflies) includes ~14,500 described species worldwide. Larvae are aquatic and build protective cases from silk, sand, pebbles, and plant material - each species creates a distinctive case design.
Ecological role of the group
Caddisfly larvae are critical food sources for trout and other freshwater fish, making them essential to recreational fishing industries worth billions annually. Their silk is being researched as an underwater adhesive for medical applications.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Caddisfly larvae are among the most important biological indicators of water quality. Their presence or absence in streams is used by the EPA and state agencies to assess pollution levels and ecosystem health.
Recorded sources for this group: EPA, freshwater ecology research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Hydatophylax argus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod
Frequently Asked Questions About Hydatophylax argus
What is Hydatophylax argus?
Hydatophylax argus is a species in the family Limnephilidae, within the order Trichoptera.
How do you identify Hydatophylax argus?
Adult: head and posterior dorsal thorax yellow; forewing with about 10 clear oval patches surrounded by brown shading near middle of wing; band of clear elongate cells along outer margin, separated by brown veins; basal half of wing with whitish veins edged in brown; antennae black, unmarked, shorter than length of forewing; legs yellowish basally, dark distally
Where is Hydatophylax argus found?
Range: Newfoundland to South Carolina, west to Alababma, north to Saskatchewan In a PDF doc here , Pescador and Rasmussen state: The occurrence of the species in Florida is doubtful. Larvae of Hydatophylax are easily confused with those of Pycnopsyche .
When is Hydatophylax argus active?
Hydatophylax argus: seasonal activity - adults fly in June.