Caddisfly
Guides
Adicrophleps
Adicrophleps is a monotypic genus of caddisflies in the family Brachycentridae, established by Flint in 1965. The genus contains a single described species, A. hitchcocki. Members are classified as "humpless casemaker" caddisflies, distinguishing them from the "humped" Brachycentrinae subfamily.
Agapetus
Agapetus caddisflies
Agapetus is a genus of caddisflies in the family Glossosomatidae, commonly known as saddle-case makers. Larvae construct portable, dome-shaped cases from sand grains and are found in lotic freshwater habitats. The genus has a global distribution with species documented across Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. Life cycles vary among species, ranging from univoltine to trivoltine patterns depending on geographic location and environmental conditions.
Agapetus rossi
little black caddisfly
Agapetus rossi is a species of little black caddisfly in the family Glossosomatidae, first described by Denning in 1941. It is found in North America. Like other members of its family, it is a small, dark-colored caddisfly. The Glossosomatidae family, commonly known as saddle-case makers, are characterized by their distinctive larval cases.
Agrypnia
Agrypnia is a genus of caddisflies in the family Phryganeidae, established by Curtis in 1835. Larvae construct portable protective cases and have been observed modifying their behavior based on case quality and availability. The genus is distributed across northern Europe and parts of North America. Most available literature on 'Agrypnia' refers to a human sleep disorder (agrypnia excitata), not this insect genus.
Agrypnia glacialis
giant caddisfly
Agrypnia glacialis is a species of giant caddisfly in the family Phryganeidae, described by Hagen in 1873. It is found in North America. As a member of the Phryganeidae, it belongs to one of the largest families of caddisflies, commonly known as giant caddisflies due to their relatively large size compared to other Trichoptera.
Agrypnia macdunnoughi
giant caddisfly
Agrypnia macdunnoughi is a species of giant caddisfly in the family Phryganeidae. It is found in North America. The species was described by Milne in 1931. Like other members of the genus Agrypnia, it belongs to a group of relatively large caddisflies. Very few observations of this species have been documented.
Amiocentrus
humpless casemaker caddisflies
Amiocentrus is a genus of caddisflies (order Trichoptera) in the family Brachycentridae, commonly referred to as humpless casemaker caddisflies. The genus was established by Ross in 1938 and contains at least two described species: Amiocentrus aspilus and Amiocentrus tessellatum. Members of this genus are aquatic insects whose larvae construct portable cases from plant material.
Amiocentrus aspilus
humpless casemaker caddisfly
Amiocentrus aspilus is a species of caddisfly in the family Brachycentridae, commonly referred to as the humpless casemaker caddisflies. It is known from North America and belongs to a genus whose larvae construct distinctive portable cases using plant material. The species was described by Ross in 1938. Like other brachycentrids, it is associated with freshwater habitats.
Anabolia
Anabolia is a genus of northern caddisflies in the family Limnephilidae, containing approximately 18 described species. Species within this genus inhabit both temporary and permanent aquatic environments, with some species adapted to fluctuating water levels. Larvae exhibit rapid growth rates and extended hatching periods. Adults of some species use sex pheromones for mate attraction.
Anagapetus
little black caddisflies
Anagapetus is a genus of small caddisflies in the family Glossosomatidae, commonly called little black caddisflies. The genus contains approximately seven described species. Members of this genus are part of the case-making caddisfly family Glossosomatidae, whose larvae construct portable cases from mineral grains.
Anagapetus bernea
little black caddisfly
Anagapetus bernea is a species of caddisfly in the family Glossosomatidae, described by Ross in 1947. It belongs to the 'little black caddisfly' group, a common name applied to members of this family. The species is recorded from North America.
Anisocentropus
Anisocentropus is a cosmopolitan genus of caddisflies (Trichoptera: Calamoceratidae) comprising over 60 described species distributed across Oriental, Australasian, Afrotropical, Neotropical, Nearctic, and East Palearctic regions. Larvae are case-building detritivores that construct portable shelters from leaf pieces or wood fragments, inhabiting both lotic and lentic freshwater environments depending on species. The genus exhibits notable variation in habitat preference, with some species strictly adapted to standing water while others occupy running water or both environments.
Apatania
Apatania is a genus of caddisflies in the family Apataniidae comprising at least 90 described species. The genus has a Holarctic distribution, with species recorded across Europe, Asia, and North America. Several species have been studied in detail for their larval morphology, life cycles, and behavior. Some species, including A. muliebris, are known to reproduce parthenogenetically.
Apatania incerta
early smoky wing sedge
Apatania incerta is a species of caddisfly in the family Apataniidae, commonly referred to as the early smoky wing sedge. The species was originally described by Nathan Banks in 1897 under the basionym Enoicyla incerta. It is distributed across North America. As a member of the order Trichoptera, it possesses aquatic larval stages and terrestrial adults.
Apataniidae
Early Smoky Wing Sedges
Apataniidae is a family of caddisflies (Trichoptera) commonly known as early smoky wing sedges. The family contains approximately 18 genera and at least 180 described species. Members are primarily Holarctic in distribution, with notable diversity in Europe, Asia, and North America. Larvae are aquatic and construct portable cases from mineral particles.
Arctopsyche grandis
netspinning caddisfly
Arctopsyche grandis is a species of netspinning caddisfly in the family Hydropsychidae, found in North America. Larvae construct silk nets to capture food in flowing water and complete their development in approximately one year. The species has been studied in Central Idaho streams where it reaches high population densities on rocky substrates.
Asynarchus
Asynarchus is a genus of caddisflies in the family Limnephilidae, first described by McLachlan in 1880. Species are found in small, cold, oligotrophic lakes and ponds across Eurasia and Northern America. The genus includes at least two species: A. contumax and A. lapponicus. Larvae and pupae of both species have been described from central Norway.
Austrotinodes
Austrotinodes is a genus of caddisflies in the family Ecnomidae, established by Schmid in 1955. The genus contains 55 species with a primarily Neotropical distribution and a few species occurring in the Australian Region. In Brazil, 23 species are now known following the description of 13 new species in 2017. Species are distinguished by morphological characters of the male genitalia.
Banksiola
Traveller Sedges, Giant Casemakers
Banksiola is a genus of caddisflies in the family Phryganeidae, commonly known as giant casemakers or traveller sedges. The genus comprises approximately five described species distributed in North America. Larvae construct portable cases from plant material and are associated with freshwater habitats.
Banksiola concatenata
giant casemaker
Banksiola concatenata is a species of giant casemaker caddisfly in the family Phryganeidae. It is found in North America. The species was originally described as Neuronia concatenata by Walker in 1852. As a member of the Phryganeidae, it belongs to a family of relatively large caddisflies whose larvae construct portable cases from plant material.
Banksiola crotchi
traveler sedge giant casemaker
Banksiola crotchi is a caddisfly species in the family Phryganeidae, commonly known as the traveler sedge giant casemaker. An ecological study in Marion Lake, British Columbia, documented its life history in a lacustrine environment. Eggs are laid on submerged vegetation in fall, with larval growth occurring rapidly in fall and spring. Adults are present from July to September. The species is distributed across North America.
Brachycentridae
Humpless Casemaker Caddisflies
Brachycentridae is a family of caddisflies (order Trichoptera) commonly known as humpless casemaker caddisflies. The family contains approximately 100 species across 8 genera and is distributed across North America, Europe, and Asia. Larvae construct portable cases using plant material, rock fragments, or silk, with some species exhibiting specialized filter-feeding behaviors. The family was first described by Georg Ulmer in 1903 as a subfamily of Sericostomatidae before being elevated to family rank.
Brachycentrus
Grannom Caddisflies, Humpless Casemaker Caddisflies
Brachycentrus is a genus of caddisflies in the family Brachycentridae, commonly known as grannoms or humpless casemaker caddisflies. The genus contains at least 30 described species distributed across North America and Eurasia. Larvae are aquatic filter-feeders that construct portable cases from silk and environmental materials such as sand, small stones, or plant fragments. The genus is ecologically significant as an important prey item for trout and other freshwater fish.
Brachycentrus americanus
American Grammon
Brachycentrus americanus is a species of humpless casemaker caddisfly in the family Brachycentridae. Larvae construct portable cases and are sensitive to synthetic pyrethroid insecticides, exhibiting case-abandonment behavior upon exposure. The species displays diel periodicity in activity patterns, with predominantly nocturnal filtering behavior. It is most active in July and August in western and midwestern North America.
Brachycentrus incanus
Brachycentrus incanus is a species of caddisfly in the family Brachycentridae. The species was described by Hagen in 1861 and is known from the Nearctic region. Like other members of its family, it is associated with freshwater habitats where larvae construct portable cases.
Brachycentrus lateralis
humbles casemaker caddisfly
Brachycentrus lateralis is a species of caddisfly in the family Brachycentridae, commonly known as the humpless casemaker caddisfly. It was first described by Thomas Say in 1823. The species is found in North America and belongs to a family whose larvae construct portable cases from plant material.
Brachycentrus numerosus
humbless casemaker caddisfly
Brachycentrus numerosus is a species of caddisfly in the family Brachycentridae, commonly referred to as a humpless casemaker caddisfly. The species was first described by Thomas Say in 1823. It belongs to an order of aquatic insects whose larvae construct protective cases from environmental materials. The species is documented from North America.
Brachycentrus occidentalis
humpless casemaker caddisfly
Brachycentrus occidentalis is a species of humpless casemaker caddisfly in the family Brachycentridae. It is a filter-feeding aquatic insect whose larvae construct fixed retreats with silk nets to capture food particles from flowing water. The species has been studied for its behavioral ecology during pupation, including cannibalism and predation pressures, and for its sensitivity to suspended sediments in stream environments.
Calamoceratidae
Calamoceratidae is a family of caddisflies comprising approximately 9 genera and at least 120 described species. The family is distributed across tropical and temperate regions worldwide, with notable diversity in the Neotropics. Larvae are aquatic and construct distinctive cases from plant material. The genus Phylloicus is particularly species-rich in the New World, with 66 described species.
Ceraclea
long-horned caddisfly
Ceraclea is a genus of long-horned caddisflies (family Leptoceridae) containing over 140 described species. Larvae are aquatic and construct portable cases using silk and various materials. Multiple species have been documented as freshwater sponge specialists, though feeding habits vary including detritivory. Life cycles range from univoltine to more complex multi-cohort patterns with variable overwintering strategies.
Ceraclea cancellata
Ceraclea cancellata is a species of caddisfly in the family Leptoceridae, first described by Betten in 1934. As a member of the long-horned caddisfly family, this species is characterized by antennae that are notably longer than the body. The genus Ceraclea is widely distributed across North America.
Ceraclea enodis
Ceraclea enodis is a species of caddisfly in the family Leptoceridae. Members of this genus are characterized by elongated, slender bodies and long antennae. The species is part of a diverse group of aquatic insects whose larvae construct protective cases from environmental materials.
Ceraclea maculata
long-horned caddisfly
Ceraclea maculata is a species of long-horned caddisfly in the family Leptoceridae, first described by Banks in 1899. It belongs to an order of aquatic insects whose larvae construct protective cases from silk and environmental materials. The species is recorded from North America.
Ceraclea slossonae
long-horned caddisfly
Ceraclea slossonae is a species of long-horned caddisfly in the family Leptoceridae, first described by Banks in 1938. It belongs to a genus characterized by adults with exceptionally long antennae, often exceeding body length. The species is documented from North America, with limited observational records.
Ceraclea tarsipunctata
Ceraclea tarsipunctata is a species of caddisfly in the family Leptoceridae, described by Vorhies in 1909. It belongs to a genus known for having antennae longer than the body, a distinctive trait within Trichoptera. The species is recorded from North America with limited observational data available.
Ceraclea transversa
long-horned caddisfly
Ceraclea transversa is a species of long-horned caddisfly in the family Leptoceridae, first described by Hagen in 1861. It is found in North America, with observations recorded across the continent. The species belongs to a genus of caddisflies characterized by elongated antennae relative to body size.
Cheumatopsyche minuscula
Cheumatopsyche minuscula is a species of net-spinning caddisfly in the family Hydropsychidae. The species was originally described as Hydropsyche minuscula by Banks in 1907. It is recorded from North America within the Nearctic realm. As a member of Hydropsychidae, it is presumed to construct fixed capture nets in flowing water habitats to filter food particles.
Chilostigmodes areolatus
Chilostigmodes areolatus is a species of caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae, first described by Walker in 1852. It belongs to the tribe Chilostigmini, a group of limnephilid caddisflies primarily associated with lentic (still-water) habitats. The genus Chilostigmodes is small and poorly studied, with limited published information on the biology of its constituent species.
Chimarra
Little Black Caddisflies
Chimarra is a large genus of caddisflies (Trichoptera: Philopotamidae) containing more than 630 described species. Adults are commonly known as "little black caddisflies" due to their characteristic dark coloration. The genus has undergone extensive radiation, with species distributed across multiple continents including North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Molecular studies have investigated the evolutionary history and biogeographic patterns of diversification within this genus.
Chimarra obscura
fingernet caddisfly
Chimarra obscura is a species of fingernet caddisfly in the family Philopotamidae, found in North America. The genus Chimarra is characterized by blackish body and wings. This species has been documented from Missouri, specifically from Sam A. Baker State Park in the Ozark Highlands, where it was recorded alongside C. feria and an unidentified Chimarra species. The species was originally described by Walker in 1852.
Chimarra texana
Texas fingernet caddisfly
Chimarra texana is a species of fingernet caddisfly in the family Philopotamidae, first described by Nathan Banks in 1920. As a member of the genus Chimarra, it possesses the characteristic blackish body and wings typical of this group. The species is distributed in North America and belongs to an ancient lineage of aquatic insects closely related to moths and butterflies. Adults are recognized by their distinct maxillary and labial palps, lack of a coiled proboscis, and hairy (rather than scaled) wings.
Clistoronia magnifica
northern caddisfly
Clistoronia magnifica is a species of caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae, commonly referred to as a northern caddisfly. It is known from North America and has been the subject of laboratory toxicity studies examining the effects of heavy metals on its aquatic life cycle. The species completes a full life cycle from egg through larval, pupal, and adult stages in freshwater environments.
Clostoeca
Clostoeca is a genus of northern caddisflies in the family Limnephilidae, established by Banks in 1943. The genus is monotypic, containing only one described species: Clostoeca disjuncta. As a member of the Limnephilidae family, it belongs to a group of caddisflies commonly known as northern caddisflies, which are predominantly found in cool, temperate regions.
Cyrnellus
Cyrnellus is a genus of caddisflies in the family Polycentropodidae. Larvae of at least one species, C. fraternus, are specialized inhabitants of submerged wood (snags) in river systems, where they construct retreats. The genus was established by Nathan Banks in 1913. Species within this genus appear to exhibit specific microhabitat preferences related to flow conditions and substrate stability.
Desmona bethula
amphibious caddisfly
Desmona bethula, commonly known as the amphibious caddisfly, is a species of northern caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae. It is notable for its unusual terrestrial feeding migration behavior, in which fifth-instar larvae leave streams at night to feed on semiaquatic plants before returning to the water. This species is univoltine with autumn emergence and has been proposed as a potential evolutionary link between aquatic and secondarily terrestrial caddisfly lineages.
Dicosmoecinae
northern caddisflies
Dicosmoecinae is a subfamily of caddisflies within the family Limnephilidae, comprising approximately 19 genera and at least 80 described species. The group is commonly referred to as "northern caddisflies," reflecting its predominantly Holarctic distribution. The subfamily was established by Schmid in 1955, with Dicosmoecus as its type genus. Members are case-making caddisflies, with larvae constructing portable shelters from plant materials.
Dicosmoecus
October Caddisflies
Dicosmoecus is a genus of caddisflies in the family Limnephilidae, commonly known as October Caddisflies. The genus contains approximately six described species distributed across western North America, from California and Oregon through British Columbia to the Rocky Mountains. Species such as D. gilvipes and D. atripes are among the most intensively studied North American caddisflies due to their large larval size, synchronous autumn emergence, and importance in freshwater ecosystem research and fly-fishing culture.
Dicosmoecus atripes
northern caddisfly
Dicosmoecus atripes is a limnephilid caddisfly native to North America. The species has been documented in Rocky Mountain streams of Alberta, Canada, where it exhibits a two-year life cycle with distinct seasonal emergence and larval diapause. Larval microhabitat and dietary preferences shift between early and late instars.
Dicosmoecus pallicornis
Dicosmoecus pallicornis is a species of caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae, described by Banks in 1943. It belongs to a genus of case-making caddisflies whose larvae construct portable cases from plant material. The species is documented from North America within the Nearctic region. As with other Limnephilidae, it likely has a holometabolous life cycle with aquatic larval stages and terrestrial adults.
Diplectrona
diplectronan caddisflies
Diplectrona is a genus of net-spinning caddisflies in the family Hydropsychidae, containing over 100 described species distributed across multiple continents. The genus exhibits considerable morphological diversity in both larvae and adults, with larvae inhabiting various lotic freshwater habitats. Recent studies have revealed cryptic diversity within currently recognized species, particularly in North America, suggesting the genus requires taxonomic revision. Species occur in Asia, Europe, North America, and other regions, with new country records continuing to be documented.