Black Sedge vs Apple Caddis

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Black Sedge Apple Caddis
Scientific Name Silo nigricornis Brachycentrus appalachia
Order Trichoptera Trichoptera
Family Goeridae Brachycentridae
Size 7-9 mm body 8-12 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Europe North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Black Sedge

A caddisfly whose larvae build heavy cases from sand grains cemented with silk. Found in clean, stony streams. Cases have lateral flanges of larger stones for ballast.

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Did You Know?

Larval cases have added flanges of larger stones that act as ballast, preventing the case from being swept away.

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.