Snail-Case Caddisfly vs Great Grey Sedge

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Snail-Case Caddisfly Great Grey Sedge
Scientific Name Helicopsyche mexicana Arctopsyche grandis
Order Trichoptera Trichoptera
Family Helicopsychidae Hydropsychidae
Size 5-7 mm 20-30 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Mountains
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
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.

Great Grey Sedge

One of the largest net-spinning caddisflies in North America with a wingspan over 40 mm. Larvae build robust catch-nets in powerful mountain torrents.

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Did You Know?

Larvae are partially predatory, consuming small invertebrates trapped in their nets alongside organic debris.