Great Grey Sedge vs Black Sedge

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Great Grey Sedge Black Sedge
Scientific Name Arctopsyche grandis Silo nigricornis
Order Trichoptera Trichoptera
Family Hydropsychidae Goeridae
Size 20-30 mm 7-9 mm body
Habitat Mountains Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions North America Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Great Grey Sedge

One of the largest net-spinning caddisflies in North America with a wingspan over 40 mm. Larvae build robust catch-nets in powerful mountain torrents.

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Did You Know?

Larvae are partially predatory, consuming small invertebrates trapped in their nets alongside organic debris.

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.