Spring Fishfly vs Microcaddisfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Spring Fishfly Microcaddisfly
Scientific Name Chauliodes rastricornis Hydroptila sparsa
Order Megaloptera Trichoptera
Family Corydalidae Hydroptilidae
Size 25-35 mm 3-4 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions North America Europe, North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Spring Fishfly

A medium-sized fishfly with pectinate antennae found in eastern North America. Adults are attracted to lights near rivers and streams during spring.

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Did You Know?

Spring fishflies can be distinguished from dobsonflies by their feathery, comb-like antennae and smaller body size.

Microcaddisfly

One of the smallest caddisflies, with adults only 3-4 mm long. Larvae build tiny purse-shaped cases from silk and algae on submerged rocks.

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Did You Know?

Microcaddisfly larvae build a new case for each instar, and their final pupal case is so small it is barely visible to the naked eye.