Saddle-Case Caddisfly vs Sand-Case Caddisfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Saddle-Case Caddisfly Sand-Case Caddisfly
Scientific Name Glossosoma conformis Sericostoma personatum
Order Trichoptera Trichoptera
Family Glossosomatidae Sericostomatidae
Size 6-9 mm 10-14 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Herbivores
Regions North America Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

Sand-Case Caddisfly

A caddisfly whose larvae build smooth, curved cases entirely from fine sand grains cemented with silk. Adults are dark with hairy wings.

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Did You Know?

The curved sand-grain cases built by these larvae are so precisely constructed they resemble tiny miniature architectural works.