Brazilian Antlion vs Snail-Case Caddis
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Brazilian Antlion | Snail-Case Caddis |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Myrmeleon brasiliensis | Helicopsyche borealis |
| Order | Neuroptera | Trichoptera |
| Family | Myrmeleontidae | Helicopsychidae |
| Size | 50-65 mm wingspan | 5-7 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Brazil, South America | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Brazilian Antlion
A common South American antlion found in sandy cerrado and caatinga habitats. Its larval pit traps dot the sandy floors of sheltered spots.
Did You Know?
In the Brazilian cerrado, antlion pits are so abundant they have been used to estimate soil disturbance levels.
Snail-Case Caddis
A remarkable caddisfly whose larvae build coiled cases from sand grains that closely resemble tiny snail shells. It is widespread in North American streams.
Did You Know?
Its spiral case is so convincing that early naturalists classified the larvae as snails rather than insects.