Curious Caddis Couture: Form and function among cases of Australian Hydroptilidae

A unique divergence in larval case morphology among micro-caddisfly species (Hydroptilidae) on Lord Howe Island challenges established patterns of form and function. While mainland Australian species exhibit consistent case shapes, two endemic species on the oceanic island display distinctively different forms, defying expectations. The study examines 25 known Australian genera, analyzing case construction, shape, and materials to identify variability and hypothesize functional relationships. Notable variations include differences in materials (e.g., Hydroptila) and both materials and shape (e.g., Hellyethira and Maydenoptila). This research highlights the ecological and evolutionary significance of case morphology in this specialized insect group.

WELLS, A. (2020).

Curious Caddis Couture: Form and function among cases of Australian Hydroptilidae

Zoosymposia, 18(1), 24–33. https://doi.org/10.11646/zoosymposia.18.1.6