×
BugFinder Insects by State Spiders Butterflies & Moths Bees, Ants, & Wasps Beetles All Bugs Videos (YouTube)

Northern Caddisfly (Pycnopsyche sp.)


Detailing the physical features, habits, territorial reach and other identifying qualities of the Northern Caddisfly


Loading SVG image placeholder
1/3
Image Credit: Deborah L. from CT
Full-sized image of the Northern-Caddisfly Thumbnail image of the Northern-Caddisfly
2/3
Image Credit: Alex -icycatelf- Bowen
Full-sized image #2 of the Northern-Caddisfly Thumbnail image #2 of the Northern-Caddisfly
3/3
Image Credit: Jason S.
Full-sized image #3 of the Northern-Caddisfly Thumbnail image #3 of the Northern-Caddisfly

Northern Caddisflies are a group of highly beneficial insects that split their time between water, land, and air.



Updated: 01/04/2022; Authored By Staff Writer; Content ©www.InsectIdentification.org
Though Northern Caddisflies resemble moths, they are not related. A Caddisfly has a life cycle more similar to dragonflies. Female Caddisflies lay their fertilized eggs either directly in water, or just above the water line on some kind of vegetation. Creeks, streams, lagoons, ponds, and lakes make great habitats. Eggs hatch and the worm-like larvae live underwater for sometimes as long as a year. They have feathery gills that allow them to breathe. They build little cases or 'homes' for themselves that they bring with them everywhere they go and eventually use them when it is time to pupate. In the meantime, they feed on plant material under water or other small aquatic insects. They molt multiple times underwater, growing larger, and building newer, bigger cases when needed. After pupating into their winged adult form, they crawl or float out of the water and fly away. Adults have short life spans (just a month or so), making it a special thing to see one. They do not eat. Instead they spend all their remaining days reproducing.

Because much of the young Northern Caddisfly's life is spent underwater, the cleanliness of the water greatly impacts the insect's ability to survive. Toxic or chemically polluted water kills the delicate larvae, which results in a small population or the complete absence of Caddisflies in that region. For this reason, biologists use the presence of Caddisfly larvae and their adults as an indication of how clean that water source is. Many Northern Caddisflies equates to good, clean streams and creeks.©InsectIdentification.org


Note: The above text is EXCLUSIVE to the site www.InsectIdentification.org. It is the product of hours of research and work made possible with the help of contributors, educators, and topic specialists. If you happen upon this text anywhere else on the internet or in print, please let us know at InsectIdentification AT gmail DOT com so that we may take appropriate action against the offender / offending site and continue to protect this original work.


General Characteristics


Capability, Shape, Texture/Pattern, Benefits, Dangers
Insect antennae icon
Flying insect icon
Helpful insect icon


Taxonomic Hierarchy


Species Breakdown
Kingdom: Animalia
  Phylum: Arthropoda
    Class: Insecta
      Order: Trichoptera
        Family: Limnephilidae
View More
          Genus: Pycnopsyche
View More
            Species: sp.

Identifying Information


Size, Colors, Features
Scientific Name: Pycnopsyche sp.
Other Name(s): Sedge
Category: Caddisfly
Size (Adult; Length): 17mm to 25mm (0.66" to 0.98")
Colorwheel Graphic Colors: brown
Descriptors: flying; tentacles; antennae; legs; helpful; beneficial


Relative Size Comparison


Typical Size Between 17mm (0.7in) and 25mm (1.0in)
Lo: 17mm
Md: 21mm
Hi: 25mm

Territorial Map*


U.S., Canada, and Mexico
State of Alabama graphic
State of Arizona graphic
State of Arkansas graphic
State of California graphic
State of Colorado graphic
State of Delware graphic
State of Florida graphic
State of Georgia graphic
State of Idaho graphic
State of Illinois graphic
State of Indiana graphic
State of Iowa graphic
State of Kansas graphic
State of Kentucky graphic
State of Louisiana graphic
State of Maine graphic
State of Maryland graphic
State of Michigan graphic
State of Minnesota graphic
State of Mississippi graphic
State of Missouri graphic
State of Montana graphic
State of Nebraska graphic
State of Nevada graphic
State of New England graphic
State of New Jersey graphic
State of New Mexico graphic
State of New York graphic
State of North Carolina graphic
State of North Dakota graphic
State of Ohio graphic
State of Oklahoma graphic
State of Oregon graphic
State of Pennsylvania graphic
State of South Carolina graphic
State of South Dakota graphic
State of Tennessee graphic
State of Texas graphic
State of Utah graphic
State of Virginia graphic
State of Washington graphic
State of West Virginia graphic
State of Wisconsin graphic
State of Wyoming graphic
Canadian territory of Alberta graphic
Canadian territory of British Columbia graphic
Canadian territory of Manitoba graphic
Canadian territory of New Brunswick graphic
Canadian territory of Newfoundland and Labrador graphic
Canadian territory of Ontario graphic
Canadian territory of Quebec graphic
Canadian territory of Saskatchewan graphic
Territory map graphic of the country of Mexico
Contiguous United States shape map layer graphic
Alaska  
Hawaii  
Prince Edward Is.  
* MAP NOTES: The territorial heat map above showcases (in red) the states and territories of North America where the Northern Caddisfly may be found (but is not limited to). This sort of data is useful when attempting to see concentrations of particular species across the continent as well as revealing possible migratory patterns over a species' given lifespan. Some insects are naturally confined by environment, weather, mating habits, food resources and the like while others see widespread expansion across most, or all, of North America. States/Territories shown above are a general indicator of areas inhabited by the Northern Caddisfly. Insects generally go where they please, typically driven by diet, environmental changes, and / or mating habits.
Site Disclaimer  |  Privacy Policy  |  Cookies  |  Sitemap
Beetle Identification Butterfly Identification Caterpillar Identification Spider ID Fungal Infections on Insects Nursery Web Spider Official State Insects Termite Basics Insect Molting Process Bugs of Tennessee House Centipede JoroSpider.org

2024 www.InsectIdentification.org • Content ©2006-2024 InsectIdentification.org • All Rights Reserved. The InsectIdentification.org logo, its written content, and watermarked photographs/imagery are unique to this website (unless where indicated) and is protected by all applicable domestic and international intellectual property laws. Material presented throughout this website is for entertainment value and should not to be construed as usable for scientific research or medical advice (regarding bites, etc...).Please consult licensed, degreed professionals for such information. By submitting images to us (InsectIdentification.org) you acknowledge that you have read and understood our Site Disclaimer as it pertains to "User-Submitted Content". Images in JPG format are preferred with a minimum horizontal dimension of 1000px if possible. When emailing please include your location and the general estimated size of the specimen in question if possible. Please direct all inquiries and comments to insectidentification AT gmail.com. No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

©2024 www.InsectIdentification.org • All Rights Reserved • Content ©2006-2024 (18yrs)