Caddisfly
Guides
Hydroptiloidea
microcaddisflies, purse-case caddisflies
Hydroptiloidea is a superfamily of caddisflies (Trichoptera) containing the family Hydroptilidae. Members are distinguished by their minute size, rarely exceeding 5 mm, and the distinctive purse-shaped larval cases constructed only in the final instar. The group has a worldwide distribution and represents one of the most species-rich lineages within Trichoptera.
Integripalpia
Integripalpia is a suborder of caddisflies (Trichoptera) distinguished by adults having unringed terminal segments on their maxillary palps. Larvae are aquatic and construct portable protective cases from debris beginning in the first instar, enlarging them through subsequent developmental stages. Case construction is often highly specific, with distinctive architectural patterns characteristic of particular families and genera. The suborder includes diverse lineages distributed across aquatic habitats worldwide.
Ironoquia lyrata
eastern boxed-wing sedge
Ironoquia lyrata is a species of caddisfly (order Trichoptera) in the family Limnephilidae, commonly known as the eastern boxed-wing sedge. It was described by Ross in 1938 and is found in North America. The species belongs to the subfamily Dicosmoecinae, a group of northern caddisflies.
Ironoquia parvula
northern caddisfly
Ironoquia parvula is a species of caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae, described by Banks in 1900. It is classified within the subfamily Dicosmoecinae and is one of the species in the genus Ironoquia. The species is known to occur in North America.
Ironoquia punctatissima
northern caddisfly
Ironoquia punctatissima is a species of northern caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae. Its life cycle has been documented from populations in temporary streams of southern Ontario, including a description of its previously undescribed pupal stage. The species occurs in North America within the Nearctic region.
Lenarchus rho
Lenarchus rho is a species of caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae, first described by Milne in 1935. It belongs to the order Trichoptera, an aquatic insect group whose larvae construct protective cases. The species is recorded from North America within the Nearctic region. As a member of Limnephilidae, it is likely associated with freshwater habitats, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Lenarchus rillus
northern caddisfly
Lenarchus rillus is a species of northern caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae. It was first described by Milne in 1935. The species is known from North America, with distribution records indicating presence in the Nearctic region. Very little detailed biological information has been published for this species.
Lepidostoma
Lepidostoma is a genus of caddisflies in the family Lepidostomatidae comprising over 150 described species. The genus is notable for the distinctive case-building behavior of its larvae, which construct portable cases from plant materials, primarily leaf panels in later instars. Larvae are detritivores that process allochthonous organic matter in freshwater streams. The genus has a broad geographic distribution including North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Lepidostoma cinereum
Lepidostoma cinereum is a species of caddisfly in the family Lepidostomatidae. It was described by Banks in 1899 and is known from North America. The species belongs to a family characterized by distinctive larval case construction using plant material.
Lepidostoma griseum
A small caddisfly species in the family Lepidostomatidae. Adults are known from North America. The specific epithet 'griseum' (Latin for 'gray') likely refers to body coloration. Larval biology remains poorly documented.
Lepidostoma hoodi
Hood River Bizarre Caddisfly
Lepidostoma hoodi is a species of caddisfly in the family Lepidostomatidae, described by Ross in 1948. It belongs to a group commonly referred to as 'bizarre caddisflies' due to unusual morphological features characteristic of this genus. The species is known from North America, with records indicating presence in the Nearctic region. Very few observations of this species have been documented.
Lepidostoma sommermanae
Lepidostoma sommermanae is a species of caddisfly in the family Lepidostomatidae, described by Ross in 1946. The species is known from North America and is characterized by its placement in a genus noted for unusual morphological features. Very few observations of this species have been recorded.
Lepidostoma stigma
Lepidostoma stigma is a species of caddisfly in the family Lepidostomatidae, described by Banks in 1907. It belongs to an order of aquatic insects known for their larval case-building behavior. The species is documented from North America with limited observational records.
Leptoceridae
long-horned caddisflies, silverhorns
Leptoceridae is the second largest family of caddisflies (Trichoptera), comprising over 1,850 species in approximately 68 genera. Members are distinguished by exceptionally long antennae—typically 1.5–2 times the forewing length—giving rise to their common name "long-horned caddisflies." The family exhibits remarkable diversity in larval feeding strategies, habitat preferences, and adult mating behaviors. Larvae are effective swimmers and construct portable cases, inhabiting ponds, marshes, lakes, and slower stream reaches across all faunal regions except Antarctica.
Leptocerus
long-horned caddisflies
Leptocerus is a genus of long-horned caddisflies in the family Leptoceridae, comprising more than 140 described species. Larvae construct species-specific protective cases. The genus includes species of conservation concern, such as the critically endangered Leptocerus interruptus.
Leptocerus americanus
American Long-horned Caddisfly
Leptocerus americanus is a species of long-horned caddisfly in the family Leptoceridae, first described by Banks in 1899. As a member of the order Trichoptera, it represents one of the most diverse groups of aquatic insects. The species is distributed across North America, with observational records spanning from Vermont westward. Like other leptocerids, adults are characterized by their elongated antennae, which are often longer than the body.
Limnephilidae
Northern Caddisflies, Northern Caddis Flies
Limnephilidae is a large family of case-constructing caddisflies comprising approximately 100 genera and nearly 900 described species. Adults are typically brown with narrow, often patterned forewings and broader transparent hindwings. Larvae construct portable cases from diverse plant and mineral materials, with case composition varying by habitat temperature and water flow. The family exhibits exceptional ecological diversity, with larvae occupying nearly all freshwater habitats including a remarkable terrestrial genus, Enoicyla, whose larvae live in woodland leaf litter.
Limnephiloidea
Limnephiloidea is a superfamily of caddisflies (Trichoptera) established by Kolenati in 1848. It encompasses several families of case-making caddisflies, including the diverse family Limnephilidae. Members of this superfamily are predominantly found in freshwater aquatic habitats during their larval stages.
Limnephilus
caddisfly
Limnephilus is the most diverse genus in the family Limnephilidae, containing over 180 described species with broad ecological tolerances and a primarily Holarctic distribution. Species inhabit diverse freshwater habitats including lakes, ponds, slow-moving streams, and high-altitude streams, with some extending to salt marshes and desert environments. Several species are of conservation concern in North America. The genus has been extensively studied as a bioindicator for aquatic pollution and as a model for understanding predator-prey interactions and case-building behavior.
Limnephilus ademus
northern caddisfly
Limnephilus ademus is a species of caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae, described by Ross in 1941. It belongs to the genus Limnephilus, a large and widespread group of case-making caddisflies commonly known as northern caddisflies. The species is recorded from North America.
Limnephilus concolor
northern caddisfly
Limnephilus concolor is a species of caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae, described by Nathan Banks in 1899. It belongs to the genus Limnephilus, a large and diverse group of case-making caddisflies. The species is recorded from North America, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented.
Limnephilus externus
northern caddisfly
Limnephilus externus is a northern caddisfly species in the family Limnephilidae, first described by Hagen in 1861. The species has been documented in both North America and Europe. A detailed life history study in southern Alberta, Canada, revealed unique adaptations to temporary pool conditions, including egg-laying above water level and delayed larval entry into aquatic habitats. Adults emerge in August and exhibit a one-month reproductive delay.
Limnephilus fagus
northern caddisfly
Limnephilus fagus is a species of caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae, described by Ross in 1941. It belongs to the diverse genus Limnephilus, which comprises numerous species of northern caddisflies. The species is recorded from North America.
Limnephilus flavastellus
Yellowstar Northern Caddisfly
Limnephilus flavastellus is a species of northern caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae, described by Nathan Banks in 1918. It is found in North America within the Nearctic region. The common name Yellowstar Northern Caddisfly refers to this species. As a member of Limnephilidae, it belongs to a family of caddisflies whose larvae are known for constructing portable cases from plant material and other debris.
Limnephilus hyalinus
Limnephilus hyalinus is a species of caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae, first described by Hagen in 1861. The species belongs to the large and widespread genus Limnephilus, which contains numerous species primarily associated with lentic and slow-flowing aquatic habitats. As with other members of the family, the larvae are aquatic and construct protective cases from available materials. The specific epithet "hyalinus" refers to the hyaline or glass-like quality of some body parts, likely the wings.
Limnephilus indivisus
northern caddisfly
Limnephilus indivisus is a species of caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae, commonly known as the northern caddisfly. It was described by Walker in 1852 and is found in North America. The species belongs to a large genus of case-making caddisflies typically associated with lentic (still-water) habitats.
Limnephilus kalama
Limnephilus kalama is a species of caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae, described by Donald G. Denning in 1968. It belongs to a large genus of case-making caddisflies whose larvae are primarily associated with lentic (still water) habitats. The species is recorded from North America within the Nearctic region. Like other members of Limnephilus, it likely exhibits the family's characteristic larval behavior of constructing portable cases from plant material.
Limnephilus moestus
Limnephilus moestus is a species of northern caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae, described by Nathan Banks in 1908. Like other members of its genus, it is associated with lentic (still water) habitats. The species is recorded from North America with distribution records in the Nearctic region. As with many Limnephilus species, adults are typically active in late summer and fall.
Limnephilus morrisoni
northern caddisfly
Limnephilus morrisoni is a species of northern caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae. It is found in North America. The species was described by Banks in 1920. As a member of the large genus Limnephilus, it is part of one of the most diverse groups of caddisflies in the Holarctic region.
Limnephilus nogus
northern caddisfly
Limnephilus nogus is a species of caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae, described by Ross in 1944. It is distributed across North America, particularly in the Nearctic region. As a member of the Limnephilidae, it is associated with aquatic environments during its larval stage.
Limnephilus occidentalis
Limnephilus occidentalis is a species of northern caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae. It was described by Banks in 1908 and is found in North America. Caddisflies in the genus Limnephilus are generally associated with freshwater habitats.
Limnephilus ornatus
Ornate Northern Caddisfly
Limnephilus ornatus is a species of northern caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae, described by Banks in 1897. It is found in North America across the Nearctic region, with some records indicating possible presence in the Palaearctic. Like other members of the genus Limnephilus, this species is associated with freshwater habitats where larvae construct protective cases from plant material.
Limnephilus spinatus
northern caddisfly
Limnephilus spinatus is a species of northern caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae, described by Banks in 1914. It is known from the Nearctic region, specifically North America. Like other members of the genus Limnephilus, it likely inhabits freshwater aquatic environments during its larval stage.
Limnephilus submonilifer
northern caddisfly
Limnephilus submonilifer is a species of caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae, described by Francis Walker in 1852. It belongs to a large genus of northern caddisflies that are primarily associated with lentic (still water) habitats. The species is recorded from the Nearctic region with documented occurrences in the northeastern United States, including Vermont. Larvae construct portable cases using plant material and sand grains.
Lithoseopsis hysteryx
Mystery Caddisfly
Lithoseopsis hysteryx is a species of caddisfly in the family Lepidostomatidae, described by Ross in 1956. The species is known from limited collections in western North America. Adults are small to medium-sized caddisflies with reduced wing venation characteristic of the genus. The larval stage constructs portable cases using mineral particles.
Lype
net tube caddisfly
Lype is a genus of net tube caddisflies in the family Psychomyiidae, containing more than 20 described species. Adults are small to medium-sized caddisflies with reduced mouthparts. Larvae construct fixed, silken retreat nets on submerged surfaces in flowing water. The genus has been studied for female identification and reproductive biology in Denmark.
Macronematinae
net-spinning caddisflies
Macronematinae is a subfamily of net-spinning caddisflies (Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae) established by Ulmer in 1905. Larvae construct silk webs to capture prey drifting in flowing water. The subfamily includes genera such as Macronema, Macrostemum, Leptonema, Leptopsyche, and the Neotropical endemic Centromacronema. Members occupy diverse freshwater habitats across multiple continents.
Marilia
Marilia is a genus of caddisflies in the family Odontoceridae, order Trichoptera. Caddisflies in this family are aquatic insects whose larvae construct protective cases from sand grains and small particles. The genus was established by Mueller in 1880 and is distributed primarily in the Neotropical region, with records from Colombia and other parts of South America.
Marilia flexuosa
mortarjoint casemaker
Marilia flexuosa is a species of mortarjoint casemaker caddisfly in the family Odontoceridae, described by Ulmer in 1905. It belongs to the order Trichoptera, an aquatic insect group known for larval cases constructed from environmental materials. The species has been documented in North America, with additional distribution records in Brazil. As with other Odontoceridae, larvae likely inhabit flowing water environments where they construct characteristic cases.
Micrasema
humpless casemaker caddisflies
Micrasema is a genus of caddisflies (order Trichoptera) in the family Brachycentridae, commonly referred to as humpless casemaker caddisflies. The genus contains more than 70 described species. Larvae are aquatic and construct portable cases from plant material. At least one species, Micrasema quadriloba, has been studied as a grazing insect in stream ecosystems.
Micrasema bactro
humpless casemaker caddisfly
Micrasema bactro is a species of caddisfly in the family Brachycentridae, commonly known as the humpless casemaker caddisfly. It was described by Ross in 1938. The species is known from North America and belongs to a family whose larvae construct distinctive portable cases from plant material.
Micrasema charonis
humbless casemaker caddisfly
Micrasema charonis is a species of caddisfly in the family Brachycentridae, described by Banks in 1914. It belongs to the group commonly known as humpless casemaker caddisflies, distinguishing it from other caddisfly families by its case construction behavior. The species is documented from North America.
Micrasema rusticum
humpless casemaker caddisfly
Micrasema rusticum is a species of humpless casemaker caddisfly in the family Brachycentridae, first described by Hagen in 1868. The species is known from North America, with confirmed records from the United States including Vermont. As a member of the Brachycentridae family, it belongs to a group of caddisflies whose larvae construct portable cases from plant material.
Micrasema wataga
humpless casemaker caddisfly
Micrasema wataga is a species of caddisfly in the family Brachycentridae, commonly known as humpless casemaker caddisflies. The species was described by Ross in 1938 and is known from North America. Like other members of Brachycentridae, larvae construct portable cases from plant material. The species is represented by minimal observational records.
Molanna
hood casemakers
Molanna is a genus of caddisflies (order Trichoptera) commonly known as hood casemakers, comprising over 20 described species. Larvae construct portable cases from sand grains and inhabit shallow freshwater environments including lake margins and spring-fed streams. Adults exhibit sex-specific antennal morphology and chemical communication, with females producing sex pheromones that attract males to mating sites near water.
Molanna blenda
hood casemaker
Molanna blenda is a species of caddisfly in the family Molannidae, commonly referred to as hood casemakers. The species was described by Sibley in 1926. It is known from North America, where it inhabits freshwater environments. Like other members of Molannidae, larvae construct distinctive portable cases using silk and sand particles.
Molanna ulmerina
hood casemaker
Molanna ulmerina is a species of caddisfly in the family Molannidae, commonly referred to as a hood casemaker. It is found in North America and is one of approximately 30 described species in the genus Molanna. The species was described by Navás in 1934. As with other members of Molannidae, larvae construct distinctive portable cases with a hood-like anterior extension.
Molanna uniophila
Molanna uniophila is a caddisfly species in the family Molannidae. Larvae inhabit shallow, sand-bottomed lake margins and construct portable cases from sand grains and organic debris. They exhibit distinctive diel foraging behavior, migrating from sandy substrates to hard surfaces (rocks, wood, macrophytes) during evening and night to feed on periphyton, then returning to sandy areas by day. Adults display sex-dependent antennal dimorphism associated with asymmetric pheromone communication, where only females produce volatiles.
Molannidae
Hood Casemaker Caddisflies
Molannidae is a small family of caddisflies (Trichoptera) containing approximately 40 described species across three genera: Molanna, Molannodes, and Indomolannodes. The family occurs in the Holarctic and Oriental biogeographic regions. Adults are commonly known as "hood casemakers" and have a distinctive appearance in repose, resembling short branch segments. Larvae construct portable cases and inhabit lentic and slow lotic environments, primarily on sandy substrates.
Mystacides
long-horned caddisflies
Mystacides is a genus of caddisflies in the family Leptoceridae, commonly known as long-horned caddisflies. The genus contains at least 20 described species distributed across North America and Eurasia. Adults are characterized by exceptionally long antennae, often exceeding body length. Larvae construct portable cases from sand grains and plant fragments.