Saddle-Case Caddisfly vs Broad-faced Sweat Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Saddle-Case Caddisfly Broad-faced Sweat Bee
Scientific Name Glossosoma conformis Lasioglossum platycephalum
Order Trichoptera Hymenoptera
Family Glossosomatidae Halictidae
Size 6-9 mm 7-9 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Nectar Feeders
Regions North America Europe
Conservation Least Concern Near Threatened

Saddle-Case Caddisfly

A small caddisfly whose larvae build distinctive saddle-shaped cases from tiny stones. When it pupates, it cuts the case free from the rock and seals itself inside.

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Did You Know?

Saddle-case caddisfly larvae graze algae so efficiently that they can create visible clean patches on otherwise algae-covered stream rocks.

Broad-faced Sweat Bee

A rare and distinctive European furrow bee with an unusually broad, flattened head. It nests in sandy or gravelly soils and has become scarce throughout much of its range.

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Did You Know?

Its flattened head shape is thought to be an adaptation for more efficiently excavating nest tunnels in compacted sandy soil.