Marbled Sedge vs Mother of Pearl Caddisfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Marbled Sedge Mother of Pearl Caddisfly
Scientific Name Hydropsyche contubernalis Mystacides azurea
Order Trichoptera Trichoptera
Family Hydropsychidae Leptoceridae
Size 12-18 mm 7-10 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Detritivores
Regions Europe Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Marbled Sedge

A net-spinning caddisfly with distinctly marbled wing patterns. It is common in larger European rivers and is tolerant of moderate levels of organic enrichment.

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Did You Know?

Marbled sedge larvae are territorial and will aggressively defend their net-spinning sites from rivals.

Mother of Pearl Caddisfly

A small iridescent caddisfly with long antennae and pearly blue-green wings. It swarms in large mating flights over lakes and slow rivers.

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Did You Know?

The iridescent wing scales of this caddisfly create a shimmering blue-green appearance unique among the Trichoptera.