Nemec and Brinkhurst, 1987
Type genus Dero Oken, 1815. Erected by Nemec and Brinkhurst, 1987, for the genera Dero (including Aulophorus), Branchiodrilus, Haemonais, Allonais and possibly Rhopalonais.
Number of species about 70. In fresh waters of NWE, three genera with six species:
Aulophorus furcatus (Müller, 1774)
Dero digitata (Müller, 1774)
Dero dorsalis Ferronière, 1899
Dero nivea Aiyer, 1930
Dero obtusa D'Udekem, 1855
Haemonais waldvogeli Bretscher, 1900a
Description
A clade of Naidinae, characterized by absence of stomach and by the apical entrance of vas deferens into atrium. Some genera have anal gills. No eyes. Dorsal hair and needle chaetae present. In mature individuals, male pores in VI.
Distribution
Cosmopolitan.
Ecology
In freshwater. Feeding on detritus and unicellular algae. Many species are tolerant of oxygen deficiency, due to presence of gills. Some species build cases.
Reproduction
Mostly asexual, by paratomy (budding). Five anterior segments forming in the budding zone. Maturing and sexual reproduction rare or seasonal.
Literature
Nemec and Brinkhurst, 1987: 706.