Caddisfly ©Chris Lawrence
Caddisfly
Scientific name: Trichoptera
Caddisflies are a large order of insects that can be found in all kinds of wetlands. The larvae are known for making cases to pupate in, gathering stones, sand and leaves, and wrapping them with silk.
Species information
Statistics
Length: 2-28 mm forewingConservation status
Species range from common to critically endangered.
When to see
Adults from February to NovemberAbout
There are almost 200 species of caddisfly (order Trichoptera, also known as 'sedge flies') in the UK, the largest of which is more than 3cm long. Adults are moth-like insects with hairy wings. The most common caddisflies, particularly in garden ponds, are the Cinnamon Sedges - a group of around 30 species.Caddisfly larvae live underwater, where they make cases by spinning together stones, sand, leaves and twigs with a silk they secrete from glands around the mouth. Most larvae live in these shelters, which can either be fixed or transportable, though a few species are free-swimming and only construct shelters when they’re ready to pupate.
Adults are often attracted to moth traps, or can be found during the day on vegetation near to the water's edge, or flying in swarms over the water. Caddisflies are an important food source for all kinds of predators, including Atlantic Salmon and Brown Trout, and birds such as the Dipper.
How to identify
Adult caddisflies resemble moths, but with their wings folded back along the body. Unlike moths, they have a fine set of hairs on their wings instead of scales. Some species have very long antennae. Individual species can be difficult to identify.Caddisfly larvae are more readily identified, with many having distinctive cases. For example, some form rounded, humped cases from coarse sand, whilst others build lumpy cases from cut pieces of plant.