Case-builder
Guides
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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
Nymphulini
Nymphulini is a tribe of small moths in the subfamily Acentropinae (Crambidae), characterized by aquatic or semi-aquatic larval habits. The group includes numerous species whose larvae feed on submerged or emergent aquatic plants, making them among the few truly aquatic Lepidoptera. Adults are generally small with narrow wings and reduced mouthparts. The tribe is most diverse in tropical and subtropical regions, with some species extending into temperate zones.
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.
Parapoynx allionealis
Watermilfoil Leafcutter Moth
Parapoynx allionealis, commonly known as the watermilfoil leafcutter moth, is a crambid moth native to North America. The species is notable for its aquatic larval stage and its specialized feeding on submerged and floating aquatic plants. It has been documented across a broad geographic range spanning eastern and central North America, from southern Canada to the Gulf Coast. The common name reflects its association with Myriophyllum (watermilfoil) species, though larvae feed on multiple aquatic plant genera.
Ptilostomis
Giant Rusty Sedges, Giant Casemakers
Ptilostomis is a genus of large caddisflies commonly known as giant casemakers or giant rusty sedges. The genus comprises at least four described species distributed in North America. Adults are recognized by their substantial size relative to other caddisflies and rusty or brownish coloration. Larvae construct portable cases using plant material, characteristic of the family Phryganeidae.