Weighted Casemaker vs Snail-Case Caddisfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Weighted Casemaker Snail-Case Caddisfly
Scientific Name Goera pilosa Helicopsyche mexicana
Order Trichoptera Trichoptera
Family Goeridae Helicopsychidae
Size 9-13 mm 5-7 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Detritivores Omnivores
Regions Europe North America, Central America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Weighted Casemaker

A caddisfly that attaches heavy ballast stones to the sides of its case for stability. Larvae are found in fast-flowing stony streams.

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Did You Know?

The ballast stones can weigh several times more than the larva itself, preventing displacement by floods.

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.