Jan 8, 2025
#2708 - Hudsonema sp.
One of two species in the genus, endemic to Aotearoa.
The larvae are common in gravelly, stony, or muddy streams, preferring good water quality. Both species build long narrow cases - Hudsonema alienum attachs rectangular plant fragments in neat spirals along the case, and the stripy-legged Hudsonema amabile uses sand grains.
It's not sure whether they're predators or herbivores - they might be both.
Queenstown, Aotearoa New Zealand