Long-Toed Water Beetle vs Saddle-Case Caddisfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Long-Toed Water Beetle | Saddle-Case Caddisfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Stenelmis crenata | Glossosoma conformis |
| Order | Coleoptera | Trichoptera |
| Family | Elmidae | Glossosomatidae |
| Size | 2-3.5 mm | 6-9 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | North America | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Did You Know?
Adults can live for several years underwater, far longer than most beetles.
Saddle-Case Caddisfly
A small caddisfly whose larvae build distinctive saddle-shaped cases from tiny stones. When it pupates, it cuts the case free from the rock and seals itself inside.
Did You Know?
Saddle-case caddisfly larvae graze algae so efficiently that they can create visible clean patches on otherwise algae-covered stream rocks.