New Zealand Caddisfly vs Neotropical Backswimmer

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute New Zealand Caddisfly Neotropical Backswimmer
Scientific Name Olinga feredayi Buenoa antigone
Order Trichoptera Hemiptera
Family Conoesucidae Notonectidae
Size 8-12 mm 5-9 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Ponds & Lakes
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions New Zealand Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay
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.

Neotropical Backswimmer

A small aquatic bug that swims upside-down using its long oar-like hind legs. Its pale ventral surface provides camouflage when viewed from below against the sky.

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Did You Know?

It carries a silvery air bubble on its belly that functions like a physical gill, extracting dissolved oxygen from the water.