Camptocladius
Description
Introduction
Medium-sized larvae, up to 5 mm long.
Dorsal Head
Heavily sclerotised projection laterally to base of antenna in flattened head capsule. In unflattened head capsule this projection points ventrally and lies internally to the base of the mandible. The function of the structure is unknown and found otherwise only in Orthocladius (Symposiocladius).
Antenna
Antenna very reduced, with 3 segments, terminal segment shorter than 2nd. Blade longer than flagellum. Ring organ absent. Lauterborn organs absent.
Labrum
SI and SII broad and bifid, SIII and SIV normal. Labral lamellae absent. Pecten epipharyngis of 3 broad scales. Chaetulae laterales and basales not visible. Premandible with 3 teeth; brush absent.
Mandible
Mandible with apical tooth shorter than combined width of 4 inner teeth, a weak basal tooth is present. Seta subdentalis short. Seta interna absent.
Mentum
Mentum with broad median tooth and 4 pairs of lateral teeth. Ventromental plate not extending beyond outer lateral tooth on flattened mentum; beard absent.
Body
Anterior parapods fused and bearing fine spines, without claws. Posterior parapods, procercus and procercal setae. Anal tubules present. Body without distinct setae.
Notes
Ecological Notes
The larvae of the sole species of Camptocladius, C. stercorarius, lives in cow dung. Distributed at least in the Holarctic region and Australia.