Mother of Pearl Caddisfly vs Northern Bushtail Caddisfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Mother of Pearl Caddisfly Northern Bushtail Caddisfly
Scientific Name Mystacides azurea Sericostoma schneideri
Order Trichoptera Trichoptera
Family Leptoceridae Sericostomatidae
Size 7-10 mm 11-15 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Mountains
Diet Detritivores Detritivores
Regions Europe, Asia Europe
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.

Northern Bushtail Caddisfly

A cold-water caddisfly of northern European mountain streams. Larvae build sturdy curved cases from fine gravel and process leaf litter.

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Did You Know?

Larvae condition leaf material by allowing fungal colonization before consuming it, much like composting.