Sand Fly Caddis vs Imperial Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sand Fly Caddis Imperial Moth
Scientific Name Glossosoma intermedium Eacles imperialis
Order Trichoptera Lepidoptera
Family Glossosomatidae Saturniidae
Size 6-9 mm 80-135 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Woodlands
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions North America Eastern North America, Mexico, Central America, South 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.

Imperial Moth

A large moth with bright yellow wings variably marked with purple-brown spots and patches. It is one of the most recognizable saturniids in the Americas.

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Did You Know?

The imperial moth has declined dramatically in the northeastern United States, likely due to parasitic flies introduced for gypsy moth control.