Microcaddisflies
Guides
Hydroptila
microcaddisflies
Hydroptila is a large genus of microcaddisflies (family Hydroptilidae) with worldwide distribution. Adults are small, typically collected using ultraviolet light traps near freshwater habitats. Larvae are known as "purse-case makers" that construct portable cases from silk and environmental materials such as filamentous algae. The genus exhibits substantial species diversity, with numerous regional endemics documented across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Hydroptilidae
Microcaddisflies, Purse-case Caddisflies
Hydroptilidae is the largest family of caddisflies (Trichoptera), comprising over 2,600 species in 76 genera and six subfamilies. Adults are minute, rarely exceeding 5 mm in length, making them the smallest caddisflies. They are characterized by simple hypermetamorphosis in larvae: early instars (I–IV) are caseless and free-living, while the final instar (V) constructs a distinctive purse-shaped portable case and develops a greatly enlarged (physogastric) abdomen as the primary feeding and growing stage. The family has a worldwide distribution, with subfamilies showing distinct regional patterns. Adults are strongly attracted to ultraviolet lights and may congregate in large numbers.
Stactobiinae
microcaddisflies
Stactobiinae is a subfamily of microcaddisflies within the family Hydroptilidae, comprising 479 species worldwide. The subfamily is taxonomically diverse, with species distinguished primarily by detailed morphological features of adult male genitalia, including the structure of inferior appendages and phallic apex. In Brazil, 15 species have been documented, most of which are endemic to the Amazon rainforest and Atlantic Forest biomes. Recent taxonomic work has expanded knowledge of the subfamily in South America through the description of new species and documentation of new distribution records.