Case-building
Guides
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.
Baetisca
armored mayflies
Baetisca is a genus of armored mayflies comprising approximately 12 described species in the family Baetiscidae. Nymphs are distinguished by their construction of protective cases from sand grains and silk. The genus is found in small, cool streams across eastern and central North America, with some species extending into western Canada. Most studied species exhibit univoltine life cycles with winter nymphal growth and spring or early summer adult emergence.
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.
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.
Glossosoma
little black caddisflies
Glossosoma is a genus of small caddisflies comprising over 110 described species, commonly known as little black caddisflies. Larvae construct portable dome-shaped cases from mineral particles and occupy the upper surfaces of stones in flowing waters. The genus exhibits multivoltine life histories with varying generation times among species.
Glossosomatidae
tortoise-case makers, saddle-case makers, little black caddisflies
Glossosomatidae is a family of caddisflies (order Trichoptera) containing 23 genera across three subfamilies. Larvae construct distinctive domed cases from pebbles bound with silk, giving rise to the common names "tortoise-case makers" or "saddle-case makers." The family has a worldwide distribution with particular diversity in the Americas. Larvae are primarily found in cool, fast-flowing streams where they serve as important bioindicators of water quality due to their sensitivity to pollution and long aquatic life stages.
Goera
Goera is a genus of caddisflies in the family Goeridae comprising at least 120 described species. Larvae construct portable cases, with documented species building cases from sand or inhabiting madicolous habitats on wet cliff faces. The genus serves as host for specialized parasitoid wasps.
Goeridae
Armour-ballast Caddisflies
Goeridae is a family of caddisflies (Trichoptera) comprising approximately 12 genera and at least 160 described species. Larvae are primarily lotic, inhabiting streams and rivers, with some species occupying madicolous habitats such as wet cliff faces. The family is distinguished by larval case construction incorporating ballast stones for weight and stability. Adults exhibit highly modified male genitalia and maxillary palps in some species. Goeridae has a Holarctic distribution with records from North America, Europe, and Asia.
Helicopsyche
Speckled Peter, Spiral Caddisflies
Helicopsyche is a genus of caddisflies (Trichoptera: Helicopsychidae) containing more than 230 species with highest diversity in tropical and sub-tropical regions. The genus is represented on all major faunal regions worldwide. Larvae construct distinctive helical, snail-shell-like cases from sand grains and silk. Adults are known to fly fishers as the 'Speckled Peter'. The genus was first described by Siebold in 1856.
Helicopsyche borealis
Spectacled Snail-case Caddisfly
Helicopsyche borealis is a caddisfly species in the family Helicopsychidae, notable as one of only two Helicopsyche species to colonize temperate North America from a predominantly tropical genus. Larvae construct distinctive spiral, snail-like cases from sand grains cemented with silk. The species inhabits running waters across North America and plays a role as a collector-gatherer and scraper in stream ecosystems. Adults emerge in spring, and the life cycle is univoltine with egg diapause through summer.
Helicopsychidae
Snail-case Caddisflies
Helicopsychidae, commonly known as snail-case caddisflies, is a family of Trichoptera characterized by larvae that construct distinctive spiral, helix-shaped cases resembling snail shells. The family contains over 230 species distributed across all major faunal regions, divided into two genera: the monophyletic Rakiura and Helicopsyche. The subgenus Cochliopsyche is endemic to the Neotropical region between central Uruguay and southern Mexico. Species inhabit diverse freshwater environments including springs, streams, and rivers.
Hesperophylax
Hesperophylax is a genus of northern caddisflies (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae) comprising seven described species distributed across western North America. The genus is characterized by morphological plasticity and broad habitat tolerance compared to other Trichoptera. Larvae construct portable protective cases and exhibit chemically-mediated antipredator behaviors. All species appear to be univoltine with extended adult flight periods.
Homophylax
Homophylax is a genus of caddisflies in the family Limnephilidae, described by Banks in 1900. It belongs to the tribe Chilostigmini within the subfamily Limnephilinae. As a limnephilid genus, its members are associated with freshwater habitats where larvae construct protective cases. The genus is poorly documented in public sources, with minimal observational records available.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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 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 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.
Oxyethira
Oxyethira is a genus of microcaddisflies (Trichoptera: Hydroptilidae) comprising over 200 described species worldwide. The genus exhibits high species diversity with new species continuing to be described, particularly from under-sampled regions. Larvae are aquatic and construct distinctive silk cases in their final instar.
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.
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.
Psychidae
Bagworm Moths, Bagworms, Bagmoths
Psychidae, commonly known as bagworm moths, is a family of approximately 1,350 described species of Lepidoptera. The family is distinguished by the larval behavior of constructing portable protective cases from silk and environmental materials such as twigs, leaves, or bark. These cases, which give the group its common name, are carried throughout larval development and serve as pupal shelters. Adult males are typically winged, while females of many species are flightless and remain within their cases.
Pycnopsyche
northern caddisflies
Pycnopsyche is a genus of northern caddisflies comprising approximately 17 described species. Larvae are aquatic shredders inhabiting leaf packs in temperate streams, where they construct portable cases from leaf material. The genus exhibits temporal niche partitioning among sympatric species, with differences in case materials, habitat preferences, and adult flight periods reducing interspecific competition.
Sericostomatidae
Bushtailed Caddisflies
Sericostomatidae is a family of caddisflies (Trichoptera) commonly known as bushtailed caddisflies. The family comprises approximately 19 genera and at least 90 described species. Larvae construct portable cases using silk and environmental materials. The family has a global distribution with notable diversity in the Palearctic region, including endemic species in the Balkans, Iberian Peninsula, and Madagascar.
Thremmatidae
Thremmatidae is a family of caddisflies (Trichoptera) currently classified within the family Uenoidae as subfamily Thremmatinae. The family includes genera such as Thremma, Neophylax, and Oligophlebodes. Larvae are case-building and can be identified by distinctive morphological features including mesonotal sclerite shape, foretrochantins, forefemora, ventral sclerites on abdominal segment I, head coloration patterns, and case morphology. At least one species, Neophylax splendens, exhibits an extended pre-pupal diapause lasting approximately three months.
Triaenodes tardus
long-horned caddisfly
Triaenodes tardus is a North American long-horned caddisfly in the family Leptoceridae. Larvae construct portable cases and are capable swimmers, using setae on their extended metathoracic legs to move between aquatic macrophytes. Swimming speed averages 1.47 cm/s even while carrying cases nearly double their body mass. The species exhibits reduced swimming activity when vegetation is available, indicating swimming functions primarily for habitat relocation rather than escape.
Trichoptera
Caddisflies
Caddisflies are an order of approximately 14,500 described species of insects with aquatic larvae and terrestrial adults. The order is divided into two principal suborders: Integripalpia, whose larvae construct portable protective cases while foraging, and Annulipalpia, whose larvae build fixed retreats and wait for food to arrive. Caddisflies are widely distributed globally and are recognized as important bioindicators of freshwater ecosystem health due to their sensitivity to water quality changes.