Apple Caddis vs Arctic Caddisfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Apple Caddis Arctic Caddisfly
Scientific Name Brachycentrus appalachia Apatania zonella
Order Trichoptera Trichoptera
Family Brachycentridae Apataniidae
Size 8-12 mm 6-9 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Ponds & Lakes
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions North America Arctic Scandinavia, Iceland, Greenland, Svalbard, Arctic Canada
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Apple Caddis

A caddisfly of Appalachian streams that builds tapered square cases from plant material. Larvae orient their cases facing into the current for filter feeding.

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Did You Know?

The square cross-section of the case is thought to reduce drag in fast currents.

Arctic Caddisfly

A small, hairy-winged caddisfly with dark brown wings held tent-like over the body. Larvae build portable cases from sand grains and small stones. It is one of the most northerly distributed caddisflies in the world.

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Did You Know?

Some Arctic populations of this caddisfly reproduce by parthenogenesis, with females producing offspring without mating.