Caddisflies
Trichoptera
Caddisflies have long antennae and are usually hairy, with hairs and/or prominent veins on two pairs of wings. Above, a black dancer caddisfly in Fairfax County, Va. (Photo courtesy of ndebarros/iNaturalist CC BY-NC)
Most caddisfly larvae feed on aquatic plants and debris. Above, a caddisfly is found on a restored section of Pope Branch in Southeast Washington, D.C., on March 28, 2019. (Photo by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program) USAGE REQUEST INFORMATION
Caddisfly larvae protect themselves with small rocks and debris. Above, several caddisfly larvae are found in Seneca Creek in Pendleton County, W.Va., on April 21, 2018. (Photo by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program) USAGE REQUEST INFORMATION
Caddisflies are moth-like insects that are attracted to lights at night and live near lakes or rivers. They are popular food for fish and often used as artificial flies in fishing.
Appearance
Caddisflies are similar to moths in appearance and the larvae have elongated bodies resembling caterpillars of moths and butterflies. Adults are characterized by four wings that bear hairs on the membrane or prominent veins, or both. The head and thorax are also usually hairy. The antennae are long and slender and are usually about the length of the anterior wing.
Feeding
Most larvae feed on aquatic plants, algae, diatoms, or plant debris. A few eat other aquatic insects, crustaceans, and mollusks. Most adult caddisflies are incapable of feeding on solids and instead suck nectar from flowers.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Caddisflies undergo complete metamorphosis. Their life cycle includes four stages – egg, larva, pupa and adult. Most species produce one generation per year.
Did You Know?
- Caddisflies are closely related to moths (order Lepidoptera), which they are often mistaken for.
- As like in moths, caddisflies are active at night and attracted to light (representing important food source for bats).
- Caddisflies can produce cases for larvae, typically built out of sand, rock, twigs, leaf pieces, and any other kind of underwater debris.
- The word Trichoptera is in reference to the insect's hairy wings, the Greek "trich" meaning hair and "ptera" meaning wing.
Sources and Additional Information
- Caddisfly larvae (order Trichoptera) Life in Fresh Water
- Caddisfly Britannica
Quick Facts
Species
Native
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Size
Adult caddisflies are commonly 3 to 15 millimetres (0.118 to 0.590 inch) in length.
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Habitat
Caddisflies live in a variety of aquatic habitats, from small ponds and streams to large lakes and rivers. They can survive a wide range of water quality conditions including slightly degraded or polluted streams.
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Diet
Ranges from bacteria to plants to other insects, depending on the species.
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Lifespan
Most of a cadisifly’s life cycle is spent in the larval stage and the adults are generally short lived. -
Status
Stable
