SPECIES ID / Invertebrates

Caddisflies

Freeliving Caddisflies

  • 127 species known in North America
Phylum:Arthropoda
Class:Insecta
Order:Trichoptera
Family:Rhyacophilidae

Identification Tips:

• Elongated, catarpillar-like body, often green
• Distinct constrictions between abdominal segments
• 3 pairs of segmented legs
• 2 prolegs at end of the abdomen tipped with large, sharp claws

Life History:

• Typically found in fast, well oxygenated water with stony bottoms
• Sometimes in moss or algae matts on rocks in current
• Do not construct cases, but use silk to attach themselves to objects in strong currents
• Pupate in case of pebbles on attached to underside of rocks in stream
• Most are predatory, some eat plants or detritus

POLLUTION TOLERANCE
Very SensitiveSomewhat SensitiveFacultativeSomewhat TolerantVery Tolerant
    

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Primary Information Source:
Voshell, J. Reese. 2002. A Guide to Common Freshwater Invertebrates of North America. McDonald and Woodward Publishing Company. Blacksburg, Virginia.