abstract: The catching-net of P. conspersa larva was studies with particular reference to: structure, building, larval activity inside it and its function in prey catching.The microscopic and macroscopic structure of this catching-net is similar to that Neureclipsis larvae, with an open-ended tunnel and two funnel shaped openings, but its shape is less regular.The building of this net lasts about four to six hours. After a wandering period, the larva first builds the open-ended tunnel and the two openings.Most of the time, the larva lives inside the open-ended tunnel, but it can also crawl into the entrances. Its activity does seem to be related to a diel periodicity.During the catching process, the chief function of the net is detection, after which the prey is taken in the same way as in a spider's web.
authors.affiliation: Section de Biologie Animale et Zoologie, Lyon, France.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Tachet