Sand Fly Caddis vs Sand-Dwelling Caddis

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sand Fly Caddis Sand-Dwelling Caddis
Scientific Name Glossosoma intermedium Molanna angustata
Order Trichoptera Trichoptera
Family Glossosomatidae Molannidae
Size 6-9 mm 10-14 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Ponds & Lakes
Diet Omnivores Detritivores
Regions North America Europe, Northern Asia
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.

Sand-Dwelling Caddis

A caddisfly whose larvae build flattened shield-shaped cases from sand grains. The wide case acts like a snowshoe, preventing the larva from sinking in soft sediment.

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Did You Know?

Its case has lateral flanges that distribute weight and prevent sinking into soft sand.