Caddisfly
Guides
Mystacides alafimbriatus
long-horned caddisfly
Mystacides alafimbriatus is a species of long-horned caddisfly in the family Leptoceridae, described by Hill-Griffin in 1912. It is one of approximately 20 species in the genus Mystacides. The species is known from the Nearctic region, with records from North America. As with other Leptoceridae, adults are characterized by antennae that are notably longer than the body.
Nectopsyche
White Miller Caddisflies, White Millers
Nectopsyche is a genus of caddisflies in the family Leptoceridae, commonly known as white millers. The genus contains at least 70 described species distributed across the Americas, with records from North America through the tropical Andes. Species occupy diverse freshwater habitats ranging from lentic (still-water) environments to lotic (flowing) highland streams. Several species have been studied as bioindicators of aquatic pollution due to their sensitivity to pesticides and heavy metals.
Nectopsyche albida
White Miller Caddisfly
Nectopsyche albida is a species of long-horned caddisfly in the family Leptoceridae. It is found in North America. The species is associated with lentic (still-water) habitats including lakes and ponds.
Nectopsyche candida
Radiant Long-horned Caddisfly
Nectopsyche candida is a species of long-horned caddisfly in the family Leptoceridae. It is found in North America. The species belongs to a genus characterized by elongated antennae, a trait reflected in the common name for this group. Like other caddisflies, it has an aquatic larval stage and terrestrial adult stage.
Nectopsyche diarina
White Miller Caddisfly
Nectopsyche diarina is a species of caddisfly in the family Leptoceridae, first described by Ross in 1944. The genus Nectopsyche is commonly referred to as "white millers," a name derived from the pale coloration of adults. Like other members of this genus, N. diarina is attracted to ultraviolet light, making it observable during nocturnal blacklight surveys. The species occurs in North America within the Nearctic region.
Nectopsyche exquisita
exquisite long-horned caddisfly
Nectopsyche exquisita is a species of long-horned caddisfly in the family Leptoceridae, characterized by its distinctive wing patterning and banded antennae. Adults are medium-sized caddisflies with striking yellow and white hair patterns on the wings. The species is found in eastern North America near slow-moving aquatic habitats. Adults are attracted to light and have been documented in urban settings.
Nemotaulius hostilis
Inimical Northern Caddisfly
Nemotaulius hostilis is a northern caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae, found in North America. It inhabits permanent freshwater pools and exhibits a univoltine life cycle with adults emerging in late May. The species is notable for its use of sex pheromones in mate attraction and a distinctive reproductive phenomenon involving egg mass liquefaction. Larvae build cases using plant material and grow at rates comparable to other detritivorous shredders in permanent waters.
Neophylax
autumn mottled sedges
Neophylax is a genus of caddisflies commonly known as autumn mottled sedges, containing more than 30 described species. Larvae are aquatic case-builders that construct protective cases using silk and materials gathered from streambeds, including sand, stones, shells, and plant material. The genus exhibits notable life history diversity, with species showing temporal and spatial segregation in stream systems. Adults typically emerge in autumn, giving rise to the common name.
Neophylax aniqua
Neophylax aniqua is a species of caddisfly (order Trichoptera) first described by Ross in 1947. The species occurs in North America, with documented populations in southern Ontario and Vermont. Larvae inhabit cool headwater sections of streams and construct protective cases using silk and gathered materials. Adults emerge in September and October following a summer prepupal diapause.
Neophylax concinnus
Neophylax concinnus is a species of caddisfly (order Trichoptera) described by McLachlan in 1871. As a member of the family Uenoidae, it belongs to a group of case-building caddisflies whose larvae construct protective cases using silk and gathered materials. The species is recorded from North America, though specific details regarding its biology and ecology remain limited in the available literature.
Neophylax consimilis
Neophylax consimilis is a caddisfly species in the family Uenoidae, first described by Betten in 1934. Its larvae construct protective cases using silk and materials gathered from aquatic environments, with documented instances of exceptionally beautiful cases built from stones of varying colors. The species is found in North America and is part of the Nearctic fauna.
Neophylax fuscus
Neophylax fuscus is a species of caddisfly in the family Uenoidae (formerly placed in Thremmatidae). It occurs in North America. Like other members of the genus Neophylax, the larvae are case-building caddisflies that construct protective cases using silk and materials gathered from their aquatic environment.
Neophylax kolodskii
Kolodski's caddisfly
Neophylax kolodskii is a species of caddisfly in the family Uenoidae (formerly placed in Thremmatidae), described by Parker in 2000. It is known from North America. Larvae of the genus Neophylax are case-building caddisflies that construct protective cases using silk and gathered materials such as sand, stones, and plant fragments.
Neophylax mitchelli
Neophylax mitchelli is a North American caddisfly species in the family Uenoidae. Like other members of its genus, it has aquatic larvae that construct protective cases from silk and environmental materials. The species was described by Carpenter in 1933.
Neophylax oligius
autumn sedge
Neophylax oligius, commonly known as the autumn sedge, is a North American caddisfly species in the family Uenoidae. In southern Ontario, larvae grow from late autumn through spring, with adults emerging in September and October following a summer prepupal diapause. The species occupies stream habitats and exhibits case-building behavior typical of the genus.
Neophylax rickeri
Neophylax rickeri is a caddisfly species in the family Uenoidae, described by Milne in 1935. Larvae construct protective cases using silk and materials gathered from their aquatic environment. The species has been studied in northern California streams, where its life history characteristics have been documented.
Neophylax splendens
Neophylax splendens is a species of caddisfly in the family Uenoidae (formerly Thremmatidae). Larvae construct protective cases using silk and materials gathered from streambeds. The species was first described from North America in 1948 and has since been recorded in the Cypress Hills of Saskatchewan, Canada, representing a significant biogeographical extension linking montane regions of British Columbia and Utah to the southwestern corner of Saskatchewan.
Neothremma
Neothremma is a genus of caddisflies in the family Uenoidae, established by Dodds and Hisaw in 1925. The genus contains at least one described species, Neothremma siskiyou, known as the Siskiyou caddisfly, which is found in California. As a member of the Uenoidae, it belongs to a family of case-making caddisflies associated with cool, flowing waters.
Neothremma alicia
Neothremma alicia is a species of caddisfly in the family Uenoidae, first described by Dodds & Hisaw in 1925. It belongs to the order Trichoptera, a group of aquatic insects whose larvae construct protective cases from silk and environmental materials. The genus Neothremma is part of the subfamily Uenoinae within the superfamily Limnephiloidea. Very little specific biological information is available for this species.
Nerophilus
mortarjoint casemakers
Nerophilus is a monotypic genus of caddisflies in the family Odontoceridae, containing the single described species N. californicus. These insects are commonly known as mortarjoint casemakers, a name reflecting their larval case-building behavior. The genus was established by Nathan Banks in 1899 and is endemic to western North America. As members of the order Trichoptera, adults possess hairy wings and aquatic larval stages.
Nerophilus californicus
California Mortarjoint Caddisfly
Nerophilus californicus is a species of caddisfly in the family Odontoceridae, commonly known as the California Mortarjoint Caddisfly. It was described by Hagen in 1861 and is native to North America. As a member of the order Trichoptera, it represents one of approximately 60 observation records documented on iNaturalist. The species belongs to a family whose larvae are typically associated with lotic (flowing water) habitats.
Nothotrichia
Nothotrichia is a genus of microcaddisflies in the family Hydroptilidae, established by Flint in 1967. The genus belongs to the subfamily Hydroptilinae and is characterized by distinctive morphological features that separate it from related genera. As with other Hydroptilidae, members are small-bodied caddisflies with reduced wing venation.
Nyctiophylax
Nyctiophylax is a genus of caddisflies in the family Polycentropodidae, established by Brauer in 1865. Species in this genus are small, predatory caddisflies whose larvae construct silken retreats in freshwater habitats. The genus has been documented from Colombia, though its actual distribution likely extends more broadly across the Neotropics. Adults are generally small with reduced wing venation characteristic of the family.
Odontoceridae
Mortarjoint Casemaker Caddisflies
Odontoceridae is a family of caddisflies (order Trichoptera) commonly known as mortarjoint casemakers. The family contains approximately 12 genera and at least 100 described species. Larvae are aquatic case-builders that typically construct cases from mineral particles such as sand and small stones. The family has a cosmopolitan distribution with representatives in North America, Europe, South America, and other regions. Adults are generally active during spring and summer months.
Oecetis
long-horned caddisflies
Oecetis is a genus of long-horned caddisflies in the family Leptoceridae, containing over 500 described species worldwide. Adults are distinguished by exceptionally long maxillary palps and an unbranched forewing M vein. Larvae inhabit freshwater environments including lakes, streams, and rivers with sandy substrates. The genus is among the largest and most widely distributed caddisfly genera, occurring in all faunal regions.
Oecetis cinerascens
Ashy Long-horned Caddisfly
Oecetis cinerascens is a species of long-horned caddisfly in the family Leptoceridae, commonly known as the Ashy Long-horned Caddisfly. It is native to North America and was first described by Hagen in 1861 under the basionym Setodes cinerascens. As a member of the Leptoceridae, it possesses the characteristically elongated antennae that give this family its common name. The species has been documented through over 500 observations on iNaturalist, indicating it is regularly encountered by naturalists.
Oecetis inconspicua
Inconspicuous Long-horned Caddisfly
Oecetis inconspicua is a species of long-horned caddisfly in the family Leptoceridae. It is found in North America, with additional records from Brazil. The species belongs to a family characterized by larvae that construct portable cases and adults with notably elongated antennae.
Oligophlebodes
Oligophlebodes is a genus of caddisflies (order Trichoptera) in the family Uenoidae. It was established by German entomologist Georg Ulmer in 1905. The genus belongs to the subfamily Thremmatinae, a group of case-making caddisflies primarily associated with freshwater habitats. Species in this genus are found in the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in Asia and North America.
Oligostomis
giant casemakers
Oligostomis is a genus of giant casemaker caddisflies in the family Phryganeidae, established by Kolenati in 1848. The genus contains at least four described species distributed across the Northern Hemisphere. One species, O. ocelligera, has been documented inhabiting acidic mine drainage environments in Pennsylvania, demonstrating tolerance to extreme pH conditions. Members construct portable cases from plant material, characteristic of the family.
Oligostomis ocelligera
giant casemaker
Oligostomis ocelligera is a species of giant casemaker caddisfly in the family Phryganeidae. It has been documented inhabiting acidic mine drainage environments in Pennsylvania, demonstrating tolerance to extreme conditions including low pH and high metal concentrations. The species is known from North America.
Oligostomis pardalis
Giant casemaker
Oligostomis pardalis is a species of giant casemaker caddisfly in the family Phryganeidae. It is found in North America, where it inhabits freshwater environments. The species was first described by Walker in 1852. Two subspecies are recognized: O. p. pardalis and O. p. redmani.
Onocosmoecus
Onocosmoecus is a genus of caddisflies in the family Limnephilidae, established by Banks in 1943. The genus contains three described species: O. occidentalis, O. sequoiae, and O. unicolor. These are northern caddisflies distributed in western North America, with larvae that construct portable cases. The genus is classified within the subfamily Dicosmoecinae, a group of case-making caddisflies often associated with cool, running waters.
Onocosmoecus unicolor
northern caddisfly
Onocosmoecus unicolor is a species of caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae, commonly known as the northern caddisfly. It was described by Banks in 1897. The species is distributed across North America and is part of the diverse caddisfly fauna associated with freshwater habitats.
Palaeagapetus
Palaeagapetus is a genus of microcaddisflies in the family Hydroptilidae, subfamily Ptilocolepinae. The genus contains at least two North American species: the western P. nearcticus and the eastern P. celsus. Life stages including larva, pupa, and adult have been described, with larvae constructing portable cases.
Pedomoecus
early smoky wing sedges
Pedomoecus is a genus of caddisflies in the family Apataniidae, established by Ross in 1947. The genus contains one described species, Pedomoecus sierra. Members are classified as "early smoky wing sedges," indicating spring-emerging adults with darkened wings.
Pedomoecus sierra
Pedomoecus sierra is a species of caddisfly in the family Apataniidae, described by Ross in 1947. It is known from the Sierra Nevada region of California. Like other members of the order Trichoptera, the larvae are aquatic and construct protective cases from silk and environmental materials. The specific epithet 'sierra' refers to its type locality in the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Phanocelia
Phanocelia is a genus of northern caddisflies in the family Limnephilidae. The genus contains one described species, Phanocelia canadensis. Larvae of this species inhabit acidic bog ponds, specifically within floating Sphagnum moss at the water margin. The life cycle is univoltine with autumnal adult emergence.
Phanocelia canadensis
Phanocelia canadensis is a northern caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae, first described by Banks in 1924. The species has been documented at the southern extreme of its range, where studies have examined its habitat preferences and life history traits adapted to northern conditions. As a member of the Limnephilidae, it belongs to a diverse family of caddisflies whose larvae construct portable cases from plant material or sand.
Philocasca
Philocasca is a genus of caddisflies (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae) established by Ross in 1941, containing species native to western North America. The genus has undergone taxonomic revision, with three species (P. alba, P. thor, and P. antennata) transferred to the new genus Montiphylax based on morphological distinctions in wing patterns, genitalia structure, and larval setae. Remaining Philocasca species include P. banksi, P. demita, P. oron, and P. rivularis. The genus exhibits notable ecological diversity, including both aquatic and terrestrial larval habits.
Philopotamoidea
Philopotamoidea is a superfamily of caddisflies (order Trichoptera) comprising two families: Philopotamidae and Stenopsychidae. The superfamily is considered paraphyletic in current phylogenetic treatments. Members are aquatic insects with larval stages inhabiting freshwater environments. The group is recognized by morphological features of adult mouthparts and larval case construction.
Phryganea
giant caddisfly, giant caddisflies
Phryganea is a genus of large caddisflies in the family Phryganeidae, commonly known as giant caddisflies. The genus contains approximately 25–30 described species distributed across the northern hemisphere, with particularly high diversity in Europe and Asia. Larvae construct portable cases from plant material and are among the most primitive of the tube-case-building caddisflies. Adults are notable for their relatively large size compared to other caddisfly genera.
Phryganea cinerea
Rush Sedge Caddisfly
Phryganea cinerea is a caddisfly species in the family Phryganeidae, one of the most primitive families of tube-case-building caddisflies. Larvae are characterized by abundant setae (bristles) across the body surface, which play a significant role in sensory perception and behavior given their poor eyesight. The species has been studied for its tactile responses, with setae on different body regions producing distinct directional responses to mechanical stimulation.
Phryganea sayi
Say's Giant Caddisfly, Say's Giant Casemaker
Phryganea sayi is a species of giant caddisfly in the family Phryganeidae, commonly known as Say's Giant Caddisfly or Say's Giant Casemaker. It is one of the larger caddisfly species in North America. Like other members of Phryganeidae, the larvae construct portable cases from plant material. The species was described by Milne in 1931.
Phryganeidae
Giant Casemaker Caddisflies
Phryganeidae is a family of large caddisflies comprising approximately 16 genera and at least 80 described species. Adults are among the largest caddisflies, with wingspans reaching 40 mm or more. Larvae are aquatic case-makers, constructing distinctive cylindrical cases from plant fragments arranged in ring-like patterns. The family occurs across the Holarctic region, with species inhabiting diverse freshwater habitats from cool mountain streams to acidic bog pools.
Phylloicus aeneus
Phylloicus aeneus is a caddisfly species in the family Calamoceratidae, first described by Hagen in 1861. It is known from Central America and is part of a genus of caddisflies whose larvae construct distinctive leaf-case shelters. The species belongs to an order of aquatic insects with high ecological importance in freshwater ecosystems.
Phylloicus mexicanus
Phylloicus mexicanus is a species of caddisfly in the family Calamoceratidae, described by Nathan Banks in 1900. The genus Phylloicus is known for larvae that construct distinctive leaf cases using cut pieces of living leaves. This species occurs in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions, with the specific epithet suggesting Mexican distribution. As with other Calamoceratidae, larvae are likely associated with freshwater habitats where they feed on plant material.
Phylocentropus
Phylocentropus is a genus of caddisflies (order Trichoptera) in the family Dipseudopsidae, containing approximately 17 described extant species. The genus was established by Nathan Banks in 1907. Fossil species have been documented from Lebanese amber (Barremian, Early Cretaceous) and New Jersey amber (Turonian, Late Cretaceous), indicating a long evolutionary history. Members of this genus are part of the subfamily Hyalopsychinae.
Phylocentropus lucidus
Phylocentropus lucidus is a species of caddisfly in the family Dipseudopsidae. It is found in North America. The species was first described by Hagen in 1861. As a member of the order Trichoptera, it belongs to a group of aquatic insects closely related to moths and butterflies, with larvae that typically inhabit freshwater environments.
Platycentropus
chocolate and cream sedge
Platycentropus is a genus of northern caddisflies (order Trichoptera) in the family Limnephilidae. The genus was established by Ulmer in 1905 and contains at least three described species distributed across North America. One species, Platycentropus radiatus, is commonly known as the "chocolate and cream sedge." These are case-making caddisflies typical of the family Limnephilidae.
Platycentropus radiatus
Chocolate-and-cream Sedge, chocolate and cream sedge
Platycentropus radiatus is a northern caddisfly species in the family Limnephilidae. Adults are recognized by their distinctive chocolate-brown and cream color pattern. The species occurs across North America and is one of the more frequently observed caddisflies in its range, with over 2,000 documented records. Larvae are aquatic and construct portable cases from plant material.