Hydroptila arctia
This record describes Hydroptila arctia (species). Recorded family: Hydroptilidae. Recorded order: Trichoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Would require specimen collection and microscopic examination, cannot be identified by color pattern (fide D Ruiter).
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Trichoptera (Caddisflies)
- Suborder
- Integripalpia
- Superfamily
- Hydroptiloidea
- Family
- Hydroptilidae (Microcaddisflies)
- Subfamily
- Hydroptilinae
- Genus
- Hydroptila
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
w. N. Amer. - Map , From Dave Ruiter: "quite common and widespread throughout the western US".
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Hydroptila arctia Ross, 1938
About Caddisflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Trichoptera, the group containing Hydroptila arctia. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hydroptila arctia
What is Hydroptila arctia?
Hydroptila arctia is a species in the family Hydroptilidae, within the order Trichoptera.
How do you identify Hydroptila arctia?
Would require specimen collection and microscopic examination, cannot be identified by color pattern (fide D Ruiter).
Where is Hydroptila arctia found?
Range: w. N. Amer. - Map , From Dave Ruiter: quite common and widespread throughout the western US.