Description of the immature stages of Leptonema tridens (Insecta: Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae) from southeastern Brazil with notes on its biology

Abstract

The larva and pupa of Leptonema tridens Mosely, 1933 are described and illustrated. Larvae of L. tridens can be distinguished from other described larvae of Leptonema Guérin, 1843 mainly by the rodlike setae of the labrum and the forecoxa lacking processes, bearing only a row of spiniform setae on its inner surface. The specimens were collected in different localities of the Mantiqueira mountain range, Itatiaia massif, states of Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil. Larvae build typical hydropsychid shelters and are found in rapids, attached to rocky substrates. Gut content analysis revealed that larvae are omnivorous-filterers.© 2010 Sociedade Brasileira de Zoologia.