Mother of Pearl Caddisfly vs Great Grey Sedge

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Mother of Pearl Caddisfly Great Grey Sedge
Scientific Name Mystacides azurea Arctopsyche grandis
Order Trichoptera Trichoptera
Family Leptoceridae Hydropsychidae
Size 7-10 mm 20-30 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Mountains
Diet Detritivores Omnivores
Regions Europe, Asia North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

Great Grey Sedge

One of the largest net-spinning caddisflies in North America with a wingspan over 40 mm. Larvae build robust catch-nets in powerful mountain torrents.

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Did You Know?

Larvae are partially predatory, consuming small invertebrates trapped in their nets alongside organic debris.