Date of Award

1981

Degree Name

Biological Sciences

College

College of Science

Type of Degree

M.S.

Document Type

Thesis

First Advisor

Donald C. Tarter

Second Advisor

Dan K. Evans

Third Advisor

Jim Joy

Abstract

A survey of the larval Symphitopsyche and Hydropsyche of West Virginia revealed fifteen species (S. morosa, S. walkeri, S. bronta, S. slossonae, S. macleodi, S. sparna, S. ventura, H. orris, H. phalerata, H. hoffmani, H. scalaris, H. leonardi, H. hageni, H. dicantha, H. simulans) eleven of which were state records (Table 1). Two species groups (S. bifida group, H. depravata group) were also found in the state possibly adding four more species (S. bifida, S.cheilonis, H. depravata,H. betteni) (Table 1). Hydropsyche phalerata, S. walkeri, and H. leonardi were the most scarce in the state and the H. depravata group had the most extensive range. Species which commonly inhabit large rivers (H. leonardi, H. orris, H. simulans, and H. phalerata) were seldom collected with those that inhabit smaller rivers. This is believed to be attributed to instinctive web building behavior which is influenced by environmental factors. Head coloration of the larvae of the different species are considered defense mechanisms and are also attributed to the environment.

Subject(s)

Caddis-flies - West Virginia.

Freshwater biology - West Virginia.

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