Saddle-Case Caddisfly vs Weighted Casemaker

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Saddle-Case Caddisfly Weighted Casemaker
Scientific Name Glossosoma conformis Goera pilosa
Order Trichoptera Trichoptera
Family Glossosomatidae Goeridae
Size 6-9 mm 9-13 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Detritivores
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.

💡

Did You Know?

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

Weighted Casemaker

A caddisfly that attaches heavy ballast stones to the sides of its case for stability. Larvae are found in fast-flowing stony streams.

💡

Did You Know?

The ballast stones can weigh several times more than the larva itself, preventing displacement by floods.