Sand Fly Caddis vs Caddisfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sand Fly Caddis Caddisfly
Scientific Name Glossosoma intermedium Limnephilus rhombicus
Order Trichoptera Trichoptera
Family Glossosomatidae Limnephilidae
Size 6-9 mm 10-15 mm body
Habitat Rivers & Streams Ponds & Lakes
Diet Omnivores Herbivores
Regions North America Europe, North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Sand Fly Caddis

A small caddisfly whose larvae build distinctive tortoise-shell-shaped stone cases. They are important grazers on algae-covered stream rocks.

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Did You Know?

Glossosoma larvae abandon and rebuild their dome-shaped cases each time they need to move to a new grazing site.

Caddisfly

Moth-like adults with hairy wings held tent-like over the body. Aquatic larvae are famous architects that build portable cases from silk, pebbles, sand, leaves, and shells.

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Did You Know?

Artist Hubert Duprat gave caddisfly larvae gold flakes, pearls, and precious stones — the larvae incorporated them into their cases, creating tiny jeweled sculptures.