Abstract
Ecomus tenellus (Rambur) is the only species of the Family Ecnomidae found in Italy. In northern Italy it is only found along the river Po and its affluents. In Central Italy this species is more evenly distributed and in southern Italy it was found in few locations. Our study deals with the biology and the diet of the larva of E. tenellus. The specimens for this study were collected in Lake Trasimeno (Umbria, Italy) where E. tenellus is the most abundant species of Trichoptera. Larval morphology was investigated. Examination of the mouth parts showed that larvae can be shovel-predators.