Investigation of the morphological characteristics of some larvae of hydropsychidae curtis, 1835 (insecta, trichoptera) family, which distribution in Türkiye

This study aims to identify the morphological characteristics and geographical distribution of larvae belonging to the Hydropsychidae family within the order Trichoptera, collected from rivers and lakes across Türkiye. A total of 7.682 Hydropsychidae larvae were examined from benthic macroinvertebrate samples collected between 2017 and 2019 as part of the "Establishment of a Reference Monitoring Network in Türkiye" project conducted by the General Directorate of Water Management, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. The specimens were preserved and studied at the Entomology Laboratory of Kastamonu University, Faculty of Science. In the study, 15 species were identified, including 1 species from the genus Diplectrona, 2 species from Cheumatopsyche, and 12 species from Hydropsyche. Morphological features were examined in detail under a stereomicroscope, diagnostic characters were photographed, and comparative tables were prepared. The distribution of each species was mapped using ArcGIS 10.5 software based on geographical coordinates. The findings contribute to the knowledge of Türkiye's Trichoptera fauna and emphasize the importance of larval-stage identifications. This study provides valuable data for both systematic taxonomy and biological monitoring applications. KEYWORDS:Trichoptera, Hydropsychidae, habitat, larvae, identification