Genus Overview
This is a widespread genus with 13 North American species. Larvae and adults live in fast and slow portions of streams, clinging to substrate. Larvae are scrapers of periphyton on rock surfaces.
Characteristics
POLLUTION TOLERANCE
Southeast: 2.7 and higher
Upper Midwest: 4 and higher
Midwest: 2.75 and higher
Mid-Atlantic: 4 and higher
0 = least tolerant, 10 = most tolerant
FEEDING HABITS
Collector / Gatherer
Scraper / Grazer
Scraper / Grazer
MOVEMENT
Clinger
DISTRIBUTION
Widespread (east of the Rocky Mtns.)
HABITAT
Lotic-depositional
Lotic-erosional
Lotic-erosional
Diagnostic Characters