larva are usually found in fast flowing, cool mountain springs. cool springs have a higher dissolved oxygen concentration than warmer springs. glossosomatid larvae do not normally have gills, meaning that they respire through their cuticle. a higher dissolved oxygen concentration on the outside of the larvae allow more oxygen to be utilized by the larva. fast flowing streams, on the other hand, allow more water to pass over the cuticle of the larva, again resulting in the larva utilizing more dissolved oxygen. within streams, glossosomatid larvae can be found clinging to submerged logs and rocks with algae present. they scrap, graze, and consume algae, in addition to other fine particulate matter. a normal larva can live months to years within a single streams (because the cold conditions increase longevity) before pupating.