New Zealand Caddisfly vs Mother of Pearl Caddisfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute New Zealand Caddisfly Mother of Pearl Caddisfly
Scientific Name Olinga feredayi Mystacides azurea
Order Trichoptera Trichoptera
Family Conoesucidae Leptoceridae
Size 8-12 mm 7-10 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Detritivores
Regions New Zealand Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

New Zealand Caddisfly

A stony-cased caddisfly endemic to New Zealand streams. Larvae are important grazers found in virtually all clean New Zealand rivers.

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Did You Know?

It is the most commonly encountered caddisfly in New Zealand freshwater surveys.

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.