Case-maker

Guides

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Glossosomatinae

    Glossosomatinae is a subfamily of caddisflies (order Trichoptera) in the family Glossosomatidae. Larvae construct distinctive dome-shaped or tortoise-like portable cases from sand grains and small stones, earning them the common name 'tortoise case makers.' The subfamily is distinguished from the other glossosomatid subfamily, Protoptilinae, primarily by adult genitalic characters and larval case morphology. Members are found in running waters across multiple continents, with larvae serving as important indicators of stream health due to their sensitivity to pollution and habitat disturbance.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Psilotreta

    mortarjoint casemakers

    Psilotreta is a genus of caddisflies in the family Odontoceridae, commonly known as mortarjoint casemakers. The genus contains more than 30 described species. These insects are aquatic in their larval stage and are found in freshwater habitats. Adults are terrestrial and short-lived.