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Metamorphoses: complete North American Families: 23 North American Species: 1261 |
Trichoptera
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Description: Caddisflies are small to medium-sized insects from 3 to 30 mm long. They are brown or gray in colour, often with a pattern on the wings. They have four membranous wings covered with small hairs, that are held roof-like over the body when at rest. Some species with very hairy wings can resemble moths. The hindwings are shorter and usually wider than the front wings. The antennae are long, sometimes extremely so. The legs are long. Caddisflies have chewing mouthparts. |
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| Comments: Caddisfly larvae are aquatic and can be found ponds, lakes and streams. Many larvae construct portable cases from stones, leaves, sticks and sand. The materials used for the case are held together with a cement-like secretion and silk threads. The case is often characteristic for the particular species. The adults are usually found near water. Caddisflies are an important food source for fish and other aquatic animals. | |||
Families in this Order |
 Leptoceridae: Long-horned caddisflies Size: 5 to 17 mm |
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Limnephilidae: Northern caddisflies Size: 7 to 23 mm |
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