Petrophila larvae and pupae

[Mark Melton]

Petrophila larvae and pupae are found in glides with a cobble substrate. They are a member of the moth family and spend their adult life in the air and on land. As larvae and pupae they build a small shelter on the top or side of cobble. This is made of silk and topped with algae. They are found between June and August.


Case 13mm Larva 11mm


Larva dorsal view


Larva dorsal view


Larva ventral view


Top view of mat covering pupa


Underside of mat with pupa in it


Mature pupa

Here is an article on fishing the hatch: https://cpw.state.co.us/Documents/LandWater/Riverwatch/EntomologyContents/AquaticMoths.pdf

 

[Jim F.]

Those are some well-camouflaged & protected little critters!

 

[FinLuver]

Oliver Edwards ties a pattern that would work for that. A hydropsyche variation to match…maybe??

 

[Mark Melton]

Those are some well-camouflaged & protected little critters!

You might think so, but there is at least one parasite that is fairly successful at getting to them: https://ia800205.us.archive.org/14/items/biostor-76932/biostor-76932.pdf

 

[Jim F.]

Thanks, Mark. Nature is amazing!