Caddisfly vs Apple Caddis

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Caddisfly Apple Caddis
Scientific Name Limnephilus rhombicus Brachycentrus appalachia
Order Trichoptera Trichoptera
Family Limnephilidae Brachycentridae
Size 10-15 mm body 8-12 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Rivers & Streams
Diet Herbivores Omnivores
Regions Europe, North America North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Caddisfly

Moth-like adults with hairy wings held tent-like over the body. Aquatic larvae are famous architects that build portable cases from silk, pebbles, sand, leaves, and shells.

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Did You Know?

Artist Hubert Duprat gave caddisfly larvae gold flakes, pearls, and precious stones — the larvae incorporated them into their cases, creating tiny jeweled sculptures.

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.