Snail-Case Caddisfly vs Granulated Pygmy Grasshopper

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Snail-Case Caddisfly Granulated Pygmy Grasshopper
Scientific Name Helicopsyche mexicana Tetrix arenosa
Order Trichoptera Orthoptera
Family Helicopsychidae Tetrigidae
Size 5-7 mm 9-13 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Herbivores
Regions North America, Central America North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Snail-Case Caddisfly

A remarkable caddisfly whose larva builds a coiled sand-grain case resembling a tiny snail shell. Found in warm streams of the American Southwest.

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Did You Know?

Cases so closely resemble snail shells that they were originally described as a new genus of freshwater snail.

Granulated Pygmy Grasshopper

A granular-textured pygmy grasshopper found on sandy and gravelly substrates in North America. Its rough body surface enhances its camouflage on coarse soil.

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Did You Know?

Its granular body texture is not just for camouflage but also helps regulate moisture absorption from damp substrates.