Cased caddis (Pseudoeconesus)

Taxonomic group

Oeconesidae: Pseudoeconesus

Diagnostic features

Pseudoeconesus caddis larvae construct messy mobile cases with shredded leaf litter. They have a circular head with a relatively flat top circled by a carina (sharp edge). The mesonotum (second segment behind the head) has 4 coloured (sclerotised) plates.

[Pseudoeconesus]. Image: Stephen Moore Image — Pseudoeconesus. Image: Stephen Moore

[Pseudoeconesus]. Mesonotal plates. Image; Stephen Moore Image — Pseudoeconesus. Mesonotal plates. Image; Stephen Moore

Typical habitats

Pseudoeconesus larvae are most common in bush covered streams.

Feeding

We suspect they feed in a similar way to the related Oeconesus, which are collector-gatherers (feeding on fine particulate organic matter) and shredders (feeding on leaf litter).

Indicator value

Hard bottom: 9
Soft bottom: 6.4

The tolerance values (ranging from 0 to 10) give an indication of which are the sensitive taxa (values of 8 or more) and which are the tolerant taxa (values of 3 or less). For more information see: Indicator species

The presence of Pseudoeconesus larvae indicates good habitat and water quality, particularly if mayfly and stonefly nymphs are abundant. They have tolerance values of 9 (hard bottom sites) and 6.4 (soft bottom sites).