Arctic Caddisfly vs Amazonian Water Scorpion

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Arctic Caddisfly Amazonian Water Scorpion
Scientific Name Apatania zonella Ranatra spp.
Order Trichoptera Hemiptera
Family Apataniidae Nepidae
Size 6-9 mm 30-50 mm including siphon
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Ponds & Lakes
Diet Omnivores Predators
Regions Arctic Scandinavia, Iceland, Greenland, Svalbard, Arctic Canada Throughout South America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

Amazonian Water Scorpion

A stick-like aquatic bug with an extremely elongated body and long breathing siphon at the rear. It hangs motionless near the surface, ambushing passing prey.

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Did You Know?

Despite the common name, it is not a scorpion at all and is completely harmless to humans though it can deliver a mild prick.