California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Aquatic Biological Assement

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Glosssomatidae Level 1 Level 2

Glossosomatidae

 

Key Characters

Mesonotum no more than half-sclerotized. Abdominal segment IX with dorsal, sclerotized plate. Anal proleg broadly joined with abdomen, usually with an accessory hook. Portable, tortoise-like, rock cases ("saddle-case makers"). Scrape diatoms and other fine organic matter off substrates.
Tolerance 0-2
Distribution CA, OR, WA, NV, AZ, Baja