Snail-Case Caddisfly vs Northern Bushtail Caddisfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Snail-Case Caddisfly Northern Bushtail Caddisfly
Scientific Name Helicopsyche mexicana Sericostoma schneideri
Order Trichoptera Trichoptera
Family Helicopsychidae Sericostomatidae
Size 5-7 mm 11-15 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Mountains
Diet Omnivores Detritivores
Regions North America, Central America Europe
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.

Northern Bushtail Caddisfly

A cold-water caddisfly of northern European mountain streams. Larvae build sturdy curved cases from fine gravel and process leaf litter.

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Did You Know?

Larvae condition leaf material by allowing fungal colonization before consuming it, much like composting.