Trichoptera - Caddisflies

There are around 7,000 species in this order and around 1,200 species in North America. They are found in lakes, rivers, and streams around the world. The bodies and wings of the adults in this order are covered with long silky hair or setae. In many of the species in this family, the adults have no mouths and they die shortly after mating. Caddisfly larvae live in the water and many species spin silk cases and nets. Some species even include stones, leaves, sand, and twigs in their weaving! Net-making larvae use their nets to trap food. Case-making larvae use their case as a place to retreat. The larvae often add to their cases throughout their larval stage, and the cases can become very elaborate!