Salt and Pepper Microcaddis vs Caddisfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Salt and Pepper Microcaddis Caddisfly
Scientific Name Agraylea multipunctata Limnephilus rhombicus
Order Trichoptera Trichoptera
Family Hydroptilidae Limnephilidae
Size 3-4.5 mm body 10-15 mm body
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Ponds & Lakes
Diet Omnivores Herbivores
Regions North America Europe, North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Salt and Pepper Microcaddis

A very small caddisfly with speckled wings found in algae-rich ponds and lakes across North America. Larvae build tiny purse-shaped cases. One of the smallest caddisfly species.

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Did You Know?

Builds one of the smallest insect cases known, a tiny purse-shaped structure barely visible to the naked eye.

Caddisfly

Moth-like adults with hairy wings held tent-like over the body. Aquatic larvae are famous architects that build portable cases from silk, pebbles, sand, leaves, and shells.

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Did You Know?

Artist Hubert Duprat gave caddisfly larvae gold flakes, pearls, and precious stones — the larvae incorporated them into their cases, creating tiny jeweled sculptures.