Trichoptera
Guides
Dolophilodes dorca
Dolophilodes dorca is a species of caddisfly in the family Philopotamidae. Members of this genus are small, slender caddisflies associated with lotic (flowing water) habitats. The larvae construct silken retreats and capture nets for feeding on fine particulate organic matter. Like other philopotamids, adults are typically nocturnal and are attracted to light.
Ecnomidae
Tubecase Netspinning Caddisflies
Ecnomidae is a family of caddisflies (Trichoptera) comprising approximately 375–400 described species across 9 genera. The family exhibits a characteristic Gondwanan distribution pattern, with all genera restricted to the Southern Hemisphere except Ecnomus, which is also widespread in the Palearctic and Oriental regions. Larvae are aquatic and construct fixed silk retreats on submerged surfaces. The family's taxonomy has been historically unstable, having been classified as a subfamily of both Hydropsychidae and Psychomiidae before recognition as a monophyletic family closely related to Polycentropodidae.
Farula
Farula is a genus of caddisflies in the family Uenoidae, established by Milne in 1936. The genus belongs to the subfamily Uenoinae and is part of the Limnephiloidea superfamily. As a uenoid genus, Farula likely comprises small to medium-sized caddisflies associated with freshwater habitats. The genus has not been extensively documented in public observation databases.
Frenesia
Dot Wing Winter Sedges
Frenesia is a genus of northern caddisflies in the family Limnephilidae, commonly known as Dot Wing Winter Sedges. The genus contains at least two described species: Frenesia difficilis and Frenesia missa. Members of this genus are associated with cool-season activity patterns, as suggested by their common name. Frenesia missa is considered a rare species with documented vulnerability to anthropogenic stressors.
Frenesia missa
Failed Northern Caddisfly
Frenesia missa is a rare species of northern caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae, first described by Milne in 1935. The species was originally placed in the genus Chilostigma as Chilostigma missum before being transferred to Frenesia. It is considered vulnerable to anthropogenic stressors and has a restricted distribution in North America.
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.
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.
Glyphopsyche
Glyphopsyche is a genus of northern caddisflies (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae) established by Banks in 1904. The genus contains at least three described species: G. irrorata, G. missouri, and G. sequatchie. Glyphopsyche irrorata has been documented with an unusual life history strategy among caddisflies: overwintering as an adult rather than in the larval stage.
Glyphopsyche irrorata
Irrorate Northern Caddisfly
Glyphopsyche irrorata is a northern caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae with an unusual life history strategy. Unlike most caddisflies, it overwinters as an adult rather than in an aquatic larval or pupal stage. This adaptation allows it to inhabit ponds with fluctuating water levels and those experiencing winter drought. The species is known from the Nearctic region, particularly in the northeastern United States.
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.
Goera fuscula
Goera fuscula is a species of caddisfly in the family Goeridae, first described by Banks in 1905. It is known from North America. The species belongs to a family of case-making caddisflies, though specific biological details for this particular species remain poorly documented in available literature.
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.
Grammotaulius
Grammotaulius is a genus of caddisflies in the family Limnephilidae, established by Kolenati in 1848. The genus contains species distributed across Europe and North America, including at least two recognized species: G. alascensis and G. bettenii. As limnephilid caddisflies, members of this genus are aquatic in their larval stages and terrestrial as adults.
Gumaga
bushtailed caddisflies
Gumaga is a genus of bushtailed caddisflies in the family Sericostomatidae, established by Tsuda in 1938. The genus comprises approximately six described species distributed across East Asia and North America. The type species is Gumaga okinawaensis M. Tsuda. Species within this genus are characterized by their association with the bushtailed caddisfly group, a morphologically distinct lineage within Trichoptera.
Halesochila taylori
Halesochila taylori is a species of northern caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae. It is a small to medium-sized caddisfly with a Nearctic distribution, documented primarily from North America. The species was originally described as Halesus taylori by Banks in 1904 and later transferred to the genus Halesochila. As a member of the Limnephilidae, it is presumed to have an aquatic larval stage and terrestrial adult stage, though specific life history details remain poorly documented in published literature.
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.
Hesperophylax designatus
silver-striped sedge, giant golden caddis, silver-striped northern caddisfly
Hesperophylax designatus is a species of northern caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae, commonly known as the silver-striped sedge or giant golden caddis. It is one of seven recognized species in the Nearctic genus Hesperophylax. The species has been observed in Colorado at bioblitz events and is documented across North America with 133 iNaturalist observations.
Hesperophylax magnus
northern caddisfly
Hesperophylax magnus is a species of northern caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae, described by Banks in 1918. It is native to North America and is one of seven recognized species in the genus Hesperophylax. Larvae are more predaceous than other Hesperophylax species and exhibit opportunistic omnivory. The species is univoltine with an extended flight period.
Heteroplectron
Heteroplectron is a genus of caddisflies in the family Calamoceratidae, established by McLachlan in 1871. The genus contains at least three described species: Heteroplectron americanum (eastern North America), Heteroplectron californicum (western North America), and Heteroplectron yamaguchii (East Asia). As members of the Calamoceratidae, species in this genus construct distinctive larval cases.
Heteroplectron californicum
Heteroplectron californicum is a species of caddisfly in the family Calamoceratidae. It is found in North America. The species was described by McLachlan in 1871. As a member of the Calamoceratidae, it belongs to a family of caddisflies whose larvae are known to construct cases from plant materials.
Himalopsyche phryganea
Himalopsyche phryganea is a free-living caddisfly species in the family Rhyacophilidae, first described by Ross in 1941. Molecular phylogenetic studies have established it as the sole member of the phryganea species group within the genus. The species is known from North America, though the genus Himalopsyche is predominantly distributed in alpine to montane regions of Central and East Asia.
Holocentropus interruptus
tube maker caddisfly
Holocentropus interruptus is a species of tube maker caddisfly described by Nathan Banks in 1914. As a member of the family Polycentropodidae, it constructs silk retreats and capture nets for feeding. The species is documented from North America, with specific records from Vermont.
Homoplectra
homoplectran caddisflies
Homoplectra is a genus of netspinning caddisflies in the family Hydropsychidae, established by Ross in 1938. The genus comprises approximately 11 described species distributed in North America and Japan. As members of Hydropsychidae, larvae construct fixed capture nets to filter food from flowing water. The genus includes the recently described species H. gracilis from Japanese headwater streams.
Hydatophylax
northern caddisfly
Hydatophylax is a genus of northern caddisflies (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae) comprising approximately 14 described species. Members are found in cool temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including Scandinavia, Japan, and North America. The genus exhibits univoltine life cycles with larval development in freshwater streams.
Hydatophylax argus
Argus Northern Caddisfly
Hydatophylax argus is a species of northern caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae. It was described by Harris in 1869 and is found in North America. The species is notable as the first member of its genus demonstrated to use sex pheromones for mate attraction.
Hydatophylax hesperus
Hydatophylax hesperus is a species of caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae, first described by Banks in 1914. The species belongs to the order Trichoptera, an insect group characterized by aquatic larval stages and terrestrial adults. As a member of the Limnephilidae family, it is part of one of the most diverse families of caddisflies, commonly known as case-making caddisflies. Very little specific biological information is available for this particular species.
Hydropsyche
Spotted Sedges
Hydropsyche is a large genus of netspinning caddisflies comprising at least 260 described species worldwide. Larvae construct fixed capture nets across flowing water to filter food particles, a behavior that defines the family Hydropsychidae. The genus exhibits substantial diversity in the Aegean region and Mediterranean, with numerous endemic species on Greek islands. Both larvae and adults have been extensively studied for their morphological characteristics, respiratory physiology, and responses to aquatic hypoxia.
Hydropsyche betteni
Common Netspinner
Hydropsyche betteni is a species of netspinning caddisfly in the family Hydropsychidae, described by Ross in 1938. It is one of the most widespread and commonly encountered members of its genus in North America. Like other hydropsychids, the larvae construct fixed capture nets to filter food from flowing water. The species is well-documented in freshwater biomonitoring studies due to its abundance and sensitivity to water quality.
Hydropsyche bifida
Hydropsyche bifida is a caddisfly species described by Banks in 1905, currently treated as a synonym of Ceratopsyche morosa. It belongs to the family Hydropsychidae, a group of net-spinning caddisflies whose larvae construct capture nets in flowing water to filter food particles. The species has been recorded from North America, specifically from Vermont in the United States.
Hydropsyche bronta
A net-spinning caddisfly species in the family Hydropsychidae. In summer-warm rivers of southern Ontario, populations exhibit trivoltine life cycles, completing three generations per year. Smaller than the sympatric H. morosa and overwinters in slightly older larval instars.
Hydropsyche morosa
A net-spinning caddisfly species found in summer-warm rivers of southern Ontario. Has been observed to be bivoltine in lower river reaches where summer water temperatures exceed 24°C for extended periods. Larger-bodied than the sympatric Hydropsyche bronta, with which it shares habitat in the Credit and Humber river systems.
Hydropsyche scalaris
Hydropsyche scalaris is a species of net-spinning caddisfly in the family Hydropsychidae, first described by Hagen in 1861. It belongs to one of the largest genera of caddisflies, with larvae that construct fixed retreats and capture nets in flowing water to filter food particles. The species is documented from North America within the Nearctic region.
Hydropsyche slossonae
Hydropsyche slossonae is a caddisfly species in the family Hydropsychidae, known from freshwater lotic habitats in eastern and midwestern North America. The species is univoltine, with adults emerging synchronously from late May through early July. Larvae construct silk capture nets to filter suspended organic matter from flowing water and overwinter as fifth-instar larvae.
Hydropsyche sparna
Hydropsyche sparna is a species of net-spinning caddisfly in the family Hydropsychidae. It has been studied primarily for its behavioral responses to suspended particles and deposited bedload sediment in flowing water environments. The species is currently treated as a synonym of Ceratopsyche sparna in some taxonomic databases. Research on this species has contributed to understanding how filter-feeding aquatic insects modify their foraging behaviors in response to changing environmental conditions.
Hydropsyche walkeri
Hydropsyche walkeri is a species of net-spinning caddisfly in the family Hydropsychidae. Originally described by Betten and Mosely in 1940, it is currently treated as a synonym of Ceratopsyche walkeri. The species belongs to a diverse genus of aquatic insects whose larvae construct elaborate silk nets to capture food in flowing water. Like other hydropsychids, it is associated with freshwater lotic habitats.
Hydropsychinae
net-spinning caddisflies
Hydropsychinae is a subfamily of caddisflies (Trichoptera) within the family Hydropsychidae, commonly known as net-spinning caddisflies. Larvae construct fixed capture nets in flowing water to filter food particles. The subfamily is taxonomically diverse, with generic revisions documented in multiple regions including New Zealand and the Americas.
Hydropsychoidea
net-spinning caddisflies
Hydropsychoidea is a superfamily of caddisflies (order Trichoptera) first described by Curtis in 1835. The constituent families, particularly Hydropsychidae, are commonly known as net-spinning caddisflies due to the distinctive capture nets constructed by their larvae. These insects are predominantly aquatic in their immature stages and are among the most frequently observed caddisflies in stream environments worldwide.
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.
Hydroptila arctia
Hydroptila arctia is a species of microcaddisfly in the family Hydroptilidae, first described by Ross in 1938. It belongs to the diverse genus Hydroptila, which comprises numerous small caddisfly species found across various aquatic habitats. The species is known from North America and has been recorded in both Nearctic and Neotropical regions.
Hydroptila callia
microcaddisfly
Hydroptila callia is a species of microcaddisfly described by Denning in 1948. It belongs to the family Hydroptilidae, the smallest caddisflies, characterized by reduced wing venation and distinctive larval cases. The species is known from North America, with its type locality in the United States. Like other hydroptilids, adults are minute insects typically associated with freshwater habitats.
Hydroptila grandiosa
microcaddisfly
Hydroptila grandiosa is a species of microcaddisfly in the family Hydroptilidae, described by Ross in 1938. As a member of the order Trichoptera, it belongs to a group of aquatic insects closely related to moths and butterflies. The species is recorded from North America. Microcaddisflies in this genus are generally small-bodied and associated with freshwater habitats.
Hydroptila icona
Hydroptila icona is a species of microcaddisfly described by Mosely in 1937. It belongs to the family Hydroptilidae, commonly known as microcaddisflies due to their small size. The species is known from Central America and surrounding regions. Like other members of its genus, it is associated with freshwater habitats. Specific biological details remain poorly documented.
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.
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.
Ironoquia lyrata
eastern boxed-wing sedge
Ironoquia lyrata is a species of caddisfly (order Trichoptera) in the family Limnephilidae, commonly known as the eastern boxed-wing sedge. It was described by Ross in 1938 and is found in North America. The species belongs to the subfamily Dicosmoecinae, a group of northern caddisflies.
Ironoquia parvula
northern caddisfly
Ironoquia parvula is a species of caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae, described by Banks in 1900. It is classified within the subfamily Dicosmoecinae and is one of the species in the genus Ironoquia. The species is known to occur in North America.