Snail-Case Caddis vs Sand-Case Caddisfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Snail-Case Caddis | Sand-Case Caddisfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Helicopsyche borealis | Sericostoma personatum |
| Order | Trichoptera | Trichoptera |
| Family | Helicopsychidae | Sericostomatidae |
| Size | 5-7 mm | 10-14 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Omnivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | North America | Europe |
| 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.
Did You Know?
Its spiral case is so convincing that early naturalists classified the larvae as snails rather than insects.
Sand-Case Caddisfly
A caddisfly whose larvae build smooth, curved cases entirely from fine sand grains cemented with silk. Adults are dark with hairy wings.
Did You Know?
The curved sand-grain cases built by these larvae are so precisely constructed they resemble tiny miniature architectural works.