Long-horned Caddisflies

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Leptoceridae: //lɛptəˈsɛrɪdiː//

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Summary

Leptoceridae, known as long-horned caddisflies, is the second largest family of caddisflies with over 1850 species characterized by long antennae and aquatic larval forms that are adept swimmers. They have complex mating behaviors and life cycles that result in significant ecological roles in freshwater habitats.

Physical Characteristics

Body length 5-17 mm; long antennae (except Ceraclea); males have antennae 2x forewing length, females 1.5x; long and slender wings, mechanically joined by hair; apical spurs present on adult legs.

Identification Tips

Look for the long antennae characteristic of most members of the family; for Ceraclea, identify by dark curved lines on the mesonotum.

Habitat

Ponds, marshes, lakes, and slow currents of streams, especially where aquatic plants are found.

Distribution

Throughout North America.

Diet

Feeding guilds include scrapers, shredders, and predators; they feed on detritus, graze on algae, and some predation of freshwater sponges.

Life Cycle

Larvae have swimming hairs and long hindlegs, allowing effective movement; pupae shed larval skin through their cases.

Reproduction

Males form swarms to court females; mating behavior involves unique flight patterns and coupling strategies, with egg laying often as a gelatinous mass on the water's surface.

Ecosystem Role

Important in aquatic environments as part of the food web, they may contribute to nutrient cycling in their habitats.

Collecting Methods

• Net sweeping from aquatic vegetation
• Light trapping
• Lure and catch

Preservation Methods

• Ethanol

Evolution

Family established by W.E. Leach in 1815, consists of 68 genera within the Trichoptera order.

Tags

• Insect
• Caddisfly
• Aquatic Insect
• Freshwater
• Entomology