Microcaddisfly vs Asian Multicolored Lady Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Microcaddisfly | Asian Multicolored Lady Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hydroptila sparsa | Harmonia axyridis |
| Order | Trichoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Hydroptilidae | Coccinellidae |
| Size | 3-4 mm | 5-8 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Underground |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, North America | East Asia; invasive worldwide |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Microcaddisfly
One of the smallest caddisflies, with adults only 3-4 mm long. Larvae build tiny purse-shaped cases from silk and algae on submerged rocks.
Did You Know?
Microcaddisfly larvae build a new case for each instar, and their final pupal case is so small it is barely visible to the naked eye.
Asian Multicolored Lady Beetle
A highly variable ladybird ranging from orange with many spots to solid black. Originally released for biocontrol, it is now invasive worldwide.
Did You Know?
It aggregates in enormous numbers on buildings in autumn, sometimes numbering in the thousands.