Odontoceridae

Definition

A family of caddisflies (order Trichoptera) commonly known as mortarjoint casemakers, characterized by larvae that construct distinctive, curved, tapering cases from sand grains cemented with silk, often with a flared or toothed posterior opening. The family comprises approximately 12 genera and at least 100 described species, with adults typically small to medium-sized and exhibiting reduced wing venation compared to other trichopteran families.

Etymology

From Greek odont- (tooth) + keras (horn), referring to the toothed or horn-like case structures of larvae.

Example

Larvae of the genus Triaenodes (Odontoceridae) inhabit cool, fast-flowing streams where they attach their sand-grain cases to submerged rocks, grazing on periphyton; the family is distinguished from the related Leptoceridae by the more robust larval head capsule and the distinctive flared case aperture.

Synonyms

• mortarjoint casemakers

Related Terms

• Trichoptera
• Leptoceridae
• caddisfly
• case-bearing
• aquatic insect
• periphyton

Usage Notes

Sometimes confused with Leptoceridae (long-horned casemakers); Odontoceridae larvae have shorter, stouter cases with a toothed or flared posterior margin. Adults are rarely collected due to crepuscular or nocturnal habits and relatively short flight periods. The family is most diverse in the Holarctic region.