Great Grey Sedge vs Long-Toed Water Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Great Grey Sedge Long-Toed Water Beetle
Scientific Name Arctopsyche grandis Stenelmis crenata
Order Trichoptera Coleoptera
Family Hydropsychidae Elmidae
Size 20-30 mm 2-3.5 mm
Habitat Mountains Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions North America North America
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.

Long-Toed Water Beetle

A small riffle beetle with elongated tarsal claws for gripping rocks in fast currents. Both adults and larvae are entirely aquatic.

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Did You Know?

Adults can live for several years underwater, far longer than most beetles.