Caddisflies

Definition

A group of insects belonging to the order Trichoptera, known for their aquatic larvae that build protective cases from surrounding materials like sand, twigs, or plant debris.

Etymology

The term 'caddisfly' possibly originates from 'cadice', an old word for wool or yarn, referring to the case-making behavior of the larvae, combined with 'fly' from the Old English 'fleoge'.

Example

Caddisflies are widely studied in freshwater ecosystems due to their roles in aquatic food webs and as bioindicators of water quality.

Synonyms

• Trichopterans

Related Terms

• Trichoptera
• Larvae
• Aquatic insects
• Ecosystem

Usage Notes

Caddisflies undergo complete metamorphosis with egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. They are often used in ecological studies and water quality assessments.