A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE NORTH AMERICAN SPECIES IN THE CADDISFLY GENUS MYSTACIDES (TRICHOPTERA: LEPTOCERIDAE)

Three species of the leptocerid caddisfly genus Mystacides are represented in North America: M. sepulchralis (Walk.), M. alafimbriata H.-G., and M. longicornis (L.). Study of a considerable amount of new material of these species has shown, particularly in the larval and pupal stages, that certain of the characters distinguishing the species, and even the genus itself, have been misinterpreted in the past. Variation in the larval stages has also made identification of the species difficult with existing keys.This comparative study of the larvae, pupae, and adults of the three species has been undertaken to overcome these deficiencies, and to bring together the systematic data now available on these widespread caddisflies. Keys to the species are provided for larvae, pupae, and both adult sexes, and the diagnostic characters illustrated. Available records have been brought together, and maps of the known distribution of each species prepared. Field observations on behavior are noted. The phylogenetic relationships of North American and Eurasian species are discussed.