Pycnocentrodes aeris explained

Pycnocentrodes aeris, also known as the common stony-cased caddisfly,^[1] is a species of caddisfly belonging to the family Conoesucidae. The species was first described by Keith Arthur John Wise in 1958, and is endemic to New Zealand.

Taxonomy

The species was identified by Wise in 1958, based on a specimen collected from Kinloch on the northern shores of Lake Wakatipu in 1926 by C. E. Clarke.^[2]

Description

Wise's original text (the type description) reads as follows:

Wise noted that the species could be differentiated from other Pycnocentrodes due to the colour and pattern of its anterior wings.

Specimens have an average forewing length of and hind wing length of .

Distribution and habitat

The species is endemic to New Zealand, and is the most widespread Pycnocentrodes in the country, found across both the North Island and South Island.

Behaviour

P. aeris larvae form cases by binding together sand particles and silk, and occasionally repair damaged cases.^[3]

Further reading

• 83–94. Holomuzki. Joseph R. Biggs. Barry JF. Food limitation affects algivory and grazer performance for New Zealand stream macroinvertebrates. Advances in Algal Biology: A Commemoration of the Work of Rex Lowe. 2006.

Notes and References

1. Web site: Common Stony-cased Caddisfly . . 14 August 2024.
2. Web site: Pycnocentrodes aeris . . 14 August 2024.
3. 10.1080/00779962.1977.9722269. 0077-9962. 6. 3. 296–301. Prestidge. RA. Case-building behaviour of Pycnocentrodes aeris (Trichoptera: Sericostomatidae). New Zealand Entomologist. 1977.