Tan Spotted Sedge vs Comstock's Net-Winged Midge

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Tan Spotted Sedge Comstock's Net-Winged Midge
Scientific Name Hydropsyche instabilis Agathon comstocki
Order Trichoptera Diptera
Family Hydropsychidae Blephariceridae
Size 11-15 mm 5-8 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Ponds & Lakes
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Europe North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Tan Spotted Sedge

A medium-sized caddisfly whose larvae construct net retreats in fast-flowing upland streams. Adults are tan with spotted wings.

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Did You Know?

Larvae aggressively defend their net territories from neighboring caddisflies.

Comstock's Net-Winged Midge

A western North American net-winged midge found on waterfall-splashed rocks. Larvae have a unique caterpillar-like body with sucker discs.

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Did You Know?

Larvae inch forward using alternating suction attachment, moving like a caterpillar across wet rock faces.