Hellyethira simplex (Mosely)

Wells, Alice, 2012, New synonyms in the Australian micro-caddisfly fauna (Trichoptera: Hydroptilidae), Zootaxa 3177, pp. 66-68 : 66

Hellyethira simplex (Mosely)

Xuthotrichia simplex Mosely, 1934: 145

Hellyethira vallecula Neboiss, 1977: 42 , figs 182–187 Hellyethira simplex ( Mosely, 1934) ; Wells 1979b: 315 Helleythira hiana Olah & Johanson, 2010, syn. nov.

Helleythira hiana Olah and Johanson, 2010, is based on a single specimen from the Brisbane area, in south-eastern Queensland. On close examination of the holotype, it is evident that it is referable to Helleythira simplex ( Mosely, 1934) . Possibly the authors of the new name were misled by the various illustrations of this species ( Mosely 1934; Neboiss 1977; Wells 1979b) all of which show some variation, due mainly to the degree of retraction of abdominal segment IX within VIII, as well as to interpretation by the authors of the complicated male genitalic structures. Helleythia simplex is a widespread species, occurring throughout Tasmania and from the Mt Lofty Ranges of South Australia through the wetter southeastern and eastern parts of mainland Australia almost to as far north as Townsville in east-central Queensland. It is often abundant, especially in slower, more eutrophic streams and in ponds and lakes, the larvae feeding on filamentous green algae. The illustrations of Mosely (1934) resemble most closely those of Olah and Johanson (2010), being more diagrammatic than those of the other authors. In diagnosing H. hiana, Olah and Johanson compare their singleton male with the male of Hellyethira sheldoni Wells, 2005 However , although the two show similarities in general arrangement of their genitalia, H. sheldoni lacks the broad ridge-like structure on the dorsal side of each inferior appendage that is so characteristic of H. simplex , and is seen in H. hiana .