Species Details
Onocosmoecus unicolor
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum Read more about this collection »
SeasonalityAdults fly from early May to late September, peaking in August.
IdentificationAdult antennae are straw-yellow and the vertex of the head a dark straw-yellow. Sours are dark yellow. In males, the clasper articles are uniformly tapered distad. The tips are curved downward and have terminal, black, acuminate teeth (Nimmo, 1971).
Scientific Name
Onocosmoecus unicolor
Habitat
Ubiquitous. This species inhabits streams and possibly some lakes.
Seasonality
Adults fly from early May to late September, peaking in August.
Identification
Adult antennae are straw-yellow and the vertex of the head a dark straw-yellow. Sours are dark yellow. In males, the clasper articles are uniformly tapered distad. The tips are curved downward and have terminal,…
Adult antennae are straw-yellow and the vertex of the head a dark straw-yellow. Sours are dark yellow. In males, the clasper articles are uniformly tapered distad. The tips are curved downward and have terminal, black, acuminate teeth (Nimmo, 1971).
Life History
Annual. Pupate in June to October and adults will lay eggs in September.
Conservation
Very common.
Diet Info
Larvae are algae scrappers, shredders and detritovores.
Range
The range for this species extends from Alaska, east to the northeastern United States and south to New Mexico. In Alberta, this species can be found in the low mountain valleys to the plains (Nimmo, 1971).
Citation
Page Citation for Onocosmoecus unicolor
Page Citation
"Species Details - Onocosmoecus unicolor, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-3054. Accessed 06 Aug. 2025.
References
Author
LaFontaine, Gary
Title
Caddisflies
Publication Date
1981
Pages
336
Author
Schmid, F.
Title
Genera of the Trichoptera of Canada and Adjoining or Adjacent United States.
Publication Date
1998
Pages
319
Specimen Information
There are 67 specimens of this Species.
BIRD35356 - Onocosmoecus unicolor
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Winfield
Collected ByBird, C. D.
Date Collected2012-09-01
BIRD35357 - Onocosmoecus unicolor
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Winfield
Collected ByBird, C. D.
Date Collected2012-09-15
BIRD35358 - Onocosmoecus unicolor
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Winfield
Collected ByBird, C. D.
Date Collected2012-09-29
BIRD36239 - Onocosmoecus unicolor
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Winfield
Collected ByBird, C. D.
Date Collected2013-08-31