Mother of Pearl Caddisfly vs Tan Spotted Sedge

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Mother of Pearl Caddisfly Tan Spotted Sedge
Scientific Name Mystacides azurea Hydropsyche instabilis
Order Trichoptera Trichoptera
Family Leptoceridae Hydropsychidae
Size 7-10 mm 11-15 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Detritivores Omnivores
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.

Tan Spotted Sedge

A medium-sized caddisfly whose larvae construct net retreats in fast-flowing upland streams. Adults are tan with spotted wings.

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Did You Know?

Larvae aggressively defend their net territories from neighboring caddisflies.