Microcaddisfly vs Rock Caddisfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Microcaddisfly | Rock Caddisfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hydroptila sparsa | Goera calcarata |
| Order | Trichoptera | Trichoptera |
| Family | Hydroptilidae | Goeridae |
| Size | 3-4 mm | 8-12 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, North America | Europe |
| 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.
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.
Rock Caddisfly
A caddisfly of limestone streams whose cases incorporate calcareous sand grains and pebble ballast. Larvae scrape algae from rock surfaces.
Did You Know?
The calcareous case material provides partial camouflage against the pale limestone streambed.