Caddisfly

Temnocephala caddisflyi Amato, Amato, Seixas, Vidigal &

Caddisflies are tiny insects that build cozy homes from twigs and leaves. They are often found in clean water.

Habitat: Freshwater habitats

Appearance

The Caddisfly is a small, moth-like insect, typically sporting drab brown, grey, or black colors. Unlike moths, their wings are covered in tiny hairs and held tent-like over their body at rest. They possess long, slender antennae that often extend beyond their body length.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumPlatyhelminthesClassInsectaOrderRhabdocoelaFamilyTemnocephalidaeGenusTemnocephala

Caddisfly

Interesting facts

Adult caddisflies have hairy wings, which helps them sense the world around them at night!

Scientists can tell how healthy a stream is by counting the types of caddisflies living there!

Some larvae glue together their homes with amazing silk, making them tiny underwater artists!

When scared, a caddisfly larva can pull completely into its case, like a snail into its shell!

Special abilities

Caddisfly larvae can build protective cases from twigs, sand, or pebbles using silk, which helps them hide from predators.

Some caddisfly larvae spin silk nets underwater to catch tiny food particles, helping to clean the water.

Caddisflies are sensitive to pollution, and their presence helps scientists understand how clean a water body is.

Measurements & details

Wingspan: 10-50 mm
Size: 5-30 mm
Lifespan: 30-365 days
Flight Speed: 8 km/h
Leg Count: 6

Diet & Feeding

Caddisfly larvae eat algae, decaying plants, and tiny insects, while adults often eat very little.

Age differences: Larvae have diverse diets; adults typically feed little or not at all.

Primary Foods

Algae
Detritus
Plant matter
Small aquatic invertebrates

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Brown Trout

Salmo trutta

Trout feast on caddisfly larvae and adults.

eaten by

Green Darner Dragonfly

Anax junius

Dragonfly nymphs often hunt caddisfly larvae.

eats

Pond Scum Algae

Spirogyra maxima

Larvae graze on filamentous algae like Spirogyra.

eaten by

Green Frog

Rana clamitans

Adult caddisflies are a snack for hungry frogs.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Web Builder

Witness the incredible artistry of creatures that weave intricate, silken structures right before your eyes. They create amazing traps and homes using their own unique silk.