Snail-Case Caddis vs Neon Skimmer

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Snail-Case Caddis Neon Skimmer
Scientific Name Helicopsyche borealis Libellula croceipennis
Order Trichoptera Odonata
Family Helicopsychidae Libellulidae
Size 5-7 mm 48-55 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Ponds & Lakes
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions North America North America
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.

Neon Skimmer

A brilliantly red dragonfly of the American Southwest with amber-tinted wings. Males are an intense fluorescent red that seems to glow in sunlight.

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Did You Know?

Its neon-red coloring is so vivid that it appears to fluoresce in bright sunlight.