Overview
The three-toothed longhorned caddisfly (Triaenodes tridonta) is known from disjunct localities in the Gulf Coastal Plain, including sites in Oklahoma, Alabama and Florida. The holotype specimen originated from an unknown location in Pushmataha County, Oklahoma, in 1934, as documented by H.H. Ross in 1938. Specimens have been collected in cool, sand-gravel bottom streams in mixed pine-hardwood forests, and adults are believed to have an early spring emergence period, as documented by Harris and others in 1991. Despite additional survey efforts, the species has not been found since 1991 and may no longer be extant, as documented by A.K. Rasmussen and S.C. Harris in 2016 and later in 2018 by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
Scientific Name
Identification Numbers
Characteristics
Similar Species
Physical Characteristics
Similar to other Triaenodes, the three-toothed longhorned caddisfly has been described as being brown-to-yellowish in color, with cream-colored bands on the antennae.
Measurements
1 ounce
Similar to other members of the genus, Ross described the three-toothed longhorned caddisfly, in 1938 as having a chestnut brown head and body and antennae with narrow bands of brown and cream. They are distinguished from other members of the genus by the shape of the genitalia.
Measurements
Length: 10 mm
Life Cycle
Like other caddisflies, three-toothed longhorned caddisfly larvae are fully aquatic. Adults are believed to have an early spring emergence period, from late March through April.
Food
Three-toothed longhorned caddisfly larvae feed on aquatic vegetation. Adults do not feed.
Habitat
Limited data indicates that three-toothed longhorned caddisfly inhabits clear streams with sandy or gravel bottoms surrounded by mixed pine-hardwood forestlands. Within these sites, Trianenodes are usually associated with aquatic vegetation for construction of larval cases and general feeding, as documented by Vaughn in 1992.
Geography
Three-toothed longhorned caddisfly have been found in Oklahoma, Alabama and Florida. A total of 21 specimens have been documented rangewide since the species was discovered. It is only known from a single specimen in Pushmataha County, Oklahoma, a single specimen in Gulf County Florida and 19 specimens in Clarke and Perry counties, Alabama.
Timeline
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