Scraping-grazer
Guides
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.