Philopotamus montanus

Philopotamus montanus, common name yellow spotted sedge, is a species of caddisfly belonging to the family Philopotamidae.

Subspecies
Subspecies include:
 * Philopotamus montanus arvernicus F. Vaillant, 1974
 * Philopotamus montanus caurelensis Gonzalez & Terra, 1979
 * Philopotamus montanus cesareus McLachlan, 1884
 * Philopotamus montanus chrysopterus Morton, 1884
 * Philopotamus montanus insularis R. McLachlan, 1878
 * Philopotamus montanus montanus (Donovan, 1813)
 * Philopotamus montanus perversus McLachlan, 1884
 * Philopotamus montanus pyrenaicus McLachlan, 1878
 * Philopotamus montanus scoticus McLachlan, 1862
 * Philopotamus montanus siculus H.A. Hagen, 1860

Distribution and habitat
This species is native to Europe. It extends over whole Europe eastwards to Northwestern and Northern Russia. The aquatic stages of Philopotamus montanus can be found mainly in small rivers in uplands, in brooks and rivulets and in stony streams, often with rapids, as this species prefers high current velocities.

Description
Philopotamus montanus can reach a body length of about 4 - 9 mm, with a wingspan of about 12 - 20 mm. These medium sized caddisflies are usually light brown or yellowish colored, with many dark brown spots.

Biology
Philopotamus montanus has one generation a year (univoltine). Larvae build long, tubular nets attached to rocks. They are filter-feeders, mainly feeding on small, particulate matter, fine particles and diatoms. Adults of these caddisflies are on the wing from February to October.