Microcaddisfly vs Dark-Horned Casemaker

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Microcaddisfly Dark-Horned Casemaker
Scientific Name Hydroptila sparsa Psilotreta labida
Order Trichoptera Trichoptera
Family Hydroptilidae Odontoceridae
Size 3-4 mm 10-14 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Woodlands
Diet Omnivores Detritivores
Regions Europe, North America North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

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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.

Dark-Horned Casemaker

A North American caddisfly building curved tubular cases from sand grains. Larvae are found in small shaded woodland streams.

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Did You Know?

Adults are entirely nocturnal and are rarely seen despite being locally common.