Snail-Case Caddis vs Coffee Berry Borer

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Snail-Case Caddis Coffee Berry Borer
Scientific Name Helicopsyche borealis Hypothenemus hampei
Order Trichoptera Coleoptera
Family Helicopsychidae Curculionidae
Size 5-7 mm 1.5-2 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Farmland
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions North America Central Africa (native), Pantropical (invasive)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Snail-Case Caddis

A remarkable caddisfly whose larvae build coiled cases from sand grains that closely resemble tiny snail shells. It is widespread in North American streams.

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Did You Know?

Its spiral case is so convincing that early naturalists classified the larvae as snails rather than insects.

Coffee Berry Borer

A tiny, dark brown beetle that bores into coffee berries and is the most damaging pest of coffee worldwide. Females tunnel into the berry and lay eggs inside.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the few animals that can detoxify caffeine, thanks to gut bacteria that break down the alkaloid.