Trichoptera
Guides
Lenarchus rho
Lenarchus rho is a species of caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae, first described by Milne in 1935. It belongs to the order Trichoptera, an aquatic insect group whose larvae construct protective cases. The species is recorded from North America within the Nearctic region. As a member of Limnephilidae, it is likely associated with freshwater habitats, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Lenarchus rillus
northern caddisfly
Lenarchus rillus is a species of northern caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae. It was first described by Milne in 1935. The species is known from North America, with distribution records indicating presence in the Nearctic region. Very little detailed biological information has been published for this species.
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.
Lepidostoma griseum
A small caddisfly species in the family Lepidostomatidae. Adults are known from North America. The specific epithet 'griseum' (Latin for 'gray') likely refers to body coloration. Larval biology remains poorly documented.
Lepidostoma hoodi
Hood River Bizarre Caddisfly
Lepidostoma hoodi is a species of caddisfly in the family Lepidostomatidae, described by Ross in 1948. It belongs to a group commonly referred to as 'bizarre caddisflies' due to unusual morphological features characteristic of this genus. The species is known from North America, with records indicating presence in the Nearctic region. Very few observations of this species have been documented.
Lepidostoma sommermanae
Lepidostoma sommermanae is a species of caddisfly in the family Lepidostomatidae, described by Ross in 1946. The species is known from North America and is characterized by its placement in a genus noted for unusual morphological features. Very few observations of this species have been recorded.
Lepidostoma stigma
Lepidostoma stigma is a species of caddisfly in the family Lepidostomatidae, described by Banks in 1907. It belongs to an order of aquatic insects known for their larval case-building behavior. The species is documented from North America with limited observational records.
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.
Leptocerus
long-horned caddisflies
Leptocerus is a genus of long-horned caddisflies in the family Leptoceridae, comprising more than 140 described species. Larvae construct species-specific protective cases. The genus includes species of conservation concern, such as the critically endangered Leptocerus interruptus.
Leptocerus americanus
American Long-horned Caddisfly
Leptocerus americanus is a species of long-horned caddisfly in the family Leptoceridae, first described by Banks in 1899. As a member of the order Trichoptera, it represents one of the most diverse groups of aquatic insects. The species is distributed across North America, with observational records spanning from Vermont westward. Like other leptocerids, adults are characterized by their elongated antennae, which are often longer than the body.
Leucotrichiinae
Leucotrichiinae is a subfamily of microcaddisflies (Hydroptilidae) in the order Trichoptera. The subfamily includes genera such as Betrichia and Mejicanotrichia, distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. Diagnostic characteristics involve features of the antennae, wing venation, and male genitalia. Larvae of at least some genera are dorsoventrally flattened with numerous broad setae and inhabit high-flow aquatic environments.
Limnephilidae
Northern Caddisflies, Northern Caddis Flies
Limnephilidae is a large family of case-constructing caddisflies comprising approximately 100 genera and nearly 900 described species. Adults are typically brown with narrow, often patterned forewings and broader transparent hindwings. Larvae construct portable cases from diverse plant and mineral materials, with case composition varying by habitat temperature and water flow. The family exhibits exceptional ecological diversity, with larvae occupying nearly all freshwater habitats including a remarkable terrestrial genus, Enoicyla, whose larvae live in woodland leaf litter.
Limnephiloidea
Limnephiloidea is a superfamily of caddisflies (Trichoptera) established by Kolenati in 1848. It encompasses several families of case-making caddisflies, including the diverse family Limnephilidae. Members of this superfamily are predominantly found in freshwater aquatic habitats during their larval stages.
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 ademus
northern caddisfly
Limnephilus ademus is a species of caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae, described by Ross in 1941. It belongs to the genus Limnephilus, a large and widespread group of case-making caddisflies commonly known as northern caddisflies. The species is recorded from North America.
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.
Limnephilus externus
northern caddisfly
Limnephilus externus is a northern caddisfly species in the family Limnephilidae, first described by Hagen in 1861. The species has been documented in both North America and Europe. A detailed life history study in southern Alberta, Canada, revealed unique adaptations to temporary pool conditions, including egg-laying above water level and delayed larval entry into aquatic habitats. Adults emerge in August and exhibit a one-month reproductive delay.
Limnephilus fagus
northern caddisfly
Limnephilus fagus is a species of caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae, described by Ross in 1941. It belongs to the diverse genus Limnephilus, which comprises numerous species of northern caddisflies. The species is recorded from North America.
Limnephilus flavastellus
Yellowstar Northern Caddisfly
Limnephilus flavastellus is a species of northern caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae, described by Nathan Banks in 1918. It is found in North America within the Nearctic region. The common name Yellowstar Northern Caddisfly refers to this species. As a member of Limnephilidae, it belongs to a family of caddisflies whose larvae are known for constructing portable cases from plant material and other debris.
Limnephilus hyalinus
Limnephilus hyalinus is a species of caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae, first described by Hagen in 1861. The species belongs to the large and widespread genus Limnephilus, which contains numerous species primarily associated with lentic and slow-flowing aquatic habitats. As with other members of the family, the larvae are aquatic and construct protective cases from available materials. The specific epithet "hyalinus" refers to the hyaline or glass-like quality of some body parts, likely the wings.
Limnephilus indivisus
northern caddisfly
Limnephilus indivisus is a species of caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae, commonly known as the northern caddisfly. It was described by Walker in 1852 and is found in North America. The species belongs to a large genus of case-making caddisflies typically associated with lentic (still-water) habitats.
Limnephilus moestus
Limnephilus moestus is a species of northern caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae, described by Nathan Banks in 1908. Like other members of its genus, it is associated with lentic (still water) habitats. The species is recorded from North America with distribution records in the Nearctic region. As with many Limnephilus species, adults are typically active in late summer and fall.
Limnephilus morrisoni
northern caddisfly
Limnephilus morrisoni is a species of northern caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae. It is found in North America. The species was described by Banks in 1920. As a member of the large genus Limnephilus, it is part of one of the most diverse groups of caddisflies in the Holarctic region.
Limnephilus nogus
northern caddisfly
Limnephilus nogus is a species of caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae, described by Ross in 1944. It is distributed across North America, particularly in the Nearctic region. As a member of the Limnephilidae, it is associated with aquatic environments during its larval stage.
Limnephilus occidentalis
Limnephilus occidentalis is a species of northern caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae. It was described by Banks in 1908 and is found in North America. Caddisflies in the genus Limnephilus are generally associated with freshwater habitats.
Limnephilus ornatus
Ornate Northern Caddisfly
Limnephilus ornatus is a species of northern caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae, described by Banks in 1897. It is found in North America across the Nearctic region, with some records indicating possible presence in the Palaearctic. Like other members of the genus Limnephilus, this species is associated with freshwater habitats where larvae construct protective cases from plant material.
Limnephilus spinatus
northern caddisfly
Limnephilus spinatus is a species of northern caddisfly in the family Limnephilidae, described by Banks in 1914. It is known from the Nearctic region, specifically North America. Like other members of the genus Limnephilus, it likely inhabits freshwater aquatic environments during its larval stage.
Lithoseopsis hysteryx
Mystery Caddisfly
Lithoseopsis hysteryx is a species of caddisfly in the family Lepidostomatidae, described by Ross in 1956. The species is known from limited collections in western North America. Adults are small to medium-sized caddisflies with reduced wing venation characteristic of the genus. The larval stage constructs portable cases using mineral particles.
Lype
net tube caddisfly
Lype is a genus of net tube caddisflies in the family Psychomyiidae, containing more than 20 described species. Adults are small to medium-sized caddisflies with reduced mouthparts. Larvae construct fixed, silken retreat nets on submerged surfaces in flowing water. The genus has been studied for female identification and reproductive biology in Denmark.
Lype diversa
net tube caddisfly
Lype diversa is a species of net tube caddisfly in the family Psychomyiidae, first described by Nathan Banks in 1914. It is a small, inconspicuous caddisfly found in freshwater habitats across North America. Like other members of its family, larvae construct silken capture nets to filter food particles from flowing water. The species is among the least documented in its genus, with sparse occurrence records and limited ecological study.
Macronematinae
net-spinning caddisflies
Macronematinae is a subfamily of net-spinning caddisflies (Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae) established by Ulmer in 1905. Larvae construct silk webs to capture prey drifting in flowing water. The subfamily includes genera such as Macronema, Macrostemum, Leptonema, Leptopsyche, and the Neotropical endemic Centromacronema. Members occupy diverse freshwater habitats across multiple continents.
Macrostemum
Glossy Wing Sedges
Macrostemum is a cosmopolitan genus of net-spinning caddisflies in the family Hydropsychidae, comprising at least 90 described species. Adults are recognized by distinctive dark and light contrasting wing patterns. Larvae construct silken retreats with capture nets to filter fine particulate organic matter from flowing water. The genus is particularly diverse in the Neotropical region, with species documented across Africa, Asia, Madagascar, and the Americas.
Macrostemum zebratum
Zebra Caddisfly
Macrostemum zebratum, commonly known as the zebra caddisfly, is a species of netspinning caddisfly in the family Hydropsychidae. It is a medium to large caddisfly recognized by its distinctive patterned wings. As a member of the Hydropsychidae, it constructs silk capture nets in flowing water to filter food particles.
Marilia
Marilia is a genus of caddisflies in the family Odontoceridae, order Trichoptera. Caddisflies in this family are aquatic insects whose larvae construct protective cases from sand grains and small particles. The genus was established by Mueller in 1880 and is distributed primarily in the Neotropical region, with records from Colombia and other parts of South America.
Marilia flexuosa
mortarjoint casemaker
Marilia flexuosa is a species of mortarjoint casemaker caddisfly in the family Odontoceridae, described by Ulmer in 1905. It belongs to the order Trichoptera, an aquatic insect group known for larval cases constructed from environmental materials. The species has been documented in North America, with additional distribution records in Brazil. As with other Odontoceridae, larvae likely inhabit flowing water environments where they construct characteristic cases.
Metrichia
Metrichia is a genus of microcaddisflies in the family Hydroptilidae, established by Ross in 1938. The genus belongs to the tribe Ochrotrichiini and is distributed across northern South America, with confirmed records from Colombia. As with other hydroptilids, adults are minute with reduced wing venation and larvae construct portable, silken cases.
Micrasema
humpless casemaker caddisflies
Micrasema is a genus of caddisflies (order Trichoptera) in the family Brachycentridae, commonly referred to as humpless casemaker caddisflies. The genus contains more than 70 described species. Larvae are aquatic and construct portable cases from plant material. At least one species, Micrasema quadriloba, has been studied as a grazing insect in stream ecosystems.
Micrasema bactro
humpless casemaker caddisfly
Micrasema bactro is a species of caddisfly in the family Brachycentridae, commonly known as the humpless casemaker caddisfly. It was described by Ross in 1938. The species is known from North America and belongs to a family whose larvae construct distinctive portable cases from plant material.
Micrasema wataga
humpless casemaker caddisfly
Micrasema wataga is a species of caddisfly in the family Brachycentridae, commonly known as humpless casemaker caddisflies. The species was described by Ross in 1938 and is known from North America. Like other members of Brachycentridae, larvae construct portable cases from plant material. The species is represented by minimal observational records.
Molanna
hood casemakers
Molanna is a genus of caddisflies (order Trichoptera) commonly known as hood casemakers, comprising over 20 described species. Larvae construct portable cases from sand grains and inhabit shallow freshwater environments including lake margins and spring-fed streams. Adults exhibit sex-specific antennal morphology and chemical communication, with females producing sex pheromones that attract males to mating sites near water.
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.
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.
Mystacides alafimbriatus
long-horned caddisfly
Mystacides alafimbriatus is a species of long-horned caddisfly in the family Leptoceridae, described by Hill-Griffin in 1912. It is one of approximately 20 species in the genus Mystacides. The species is known from the Nearctic region, with records from North America. As with other Leptoceridae, adults are characterized by antennae that are notably longer than the body.
Mystacides sepulchralis
black dancer, Black Dancer Caddisfly
Mystacides sepulchralis, commonly known as the black dancer, is a species of long-horned caddisfly in the family Leptoceridae. It is one of three Mystacides species found in North America, alongside M. alafimbriata and M. longicornis. The species has been the subject of taxonomic study due to difficulties in identification, particularly of larval and pupal stages.
Nectopsyche
White Miller Caddisflies, White Millers
Nectopsyche is a genus of caddisflies in the family Leptoceridae, commonly known as white millers. The genus contains at least 70 described species distributed across the Americas, with records from North America through the tropical Andes. Species occupy diverse freshwater habitats ranging from lentic (still-water) environments to lotic (flowing) highland streams. Several species have been studied as bioindicators of aquatic pollution due to their sensitivity to pesticides and heavy metals.
Nectopsyche albida
White Miller Caddisfly
Nectopsyche albida is a species of long-horned caddisfly in the family Leptoceridae. It is found in North America. The species is associated with lentic (still-water) habitats including lakes and ponds.
Nectopsyche candida
Radiant Long-horned Caddisfly
Nectopsyche candida is a species of long-horned caddisfly in the family Leptoceridae. It is found in North America. The species belongs to a genus characterized by elongated antennae, a trait reflected in the common name for this group. Like other caddisflies, it has an aquatic larval stage and terrestrial adult stage.
Nectopsyche diarina
White Miller Caddisfly
Nectopsyche diarina is a species of caddisfly in the family Leptoceridae, first described by Ross in 1944. The genus Nectopsyche is commonly referred to as "white millers," a name derived from the pale coloration of adults. Like other members of this genus, N. diarina is attracted to ultraviolet light, making it observable during nocturnal blacklight surveys. The species occurs in North America within the Nearctic region.
Nectopsyche exquisita
exquisite long-horned caddisfly
Nectopsyche exquisita is a species of long-horned caddisfly in the family Leptoceridae, characterized by its distinctive wing patterning and banded antennae. Adults are medium-sized caddisflies with striking yellow and white hair patterns on the wings. The species is found in eastern North America near slow-moving aquatic habitats. Adults are attracted to light and have been documented in urban settings.