Invertebrate Photographs - Trichoptera (caddisflies)
The Trichoptera are one of the largest groups of aquatic insects and closely related to the Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies). All of the families are found in cool, running waters and some have adapted to slower and warmer waters. They are known for their portable cases, nets or retreats, and caddisfly families can be classified into the following groups: Free living (Rhyacophilidae), Saddle-case makers (Glossosomatidae), 3) Purse-case makers (Hydroptilidae), 4) Net-Spinners (Philopotamidae, Psychomyiidae, Polycentropodidae, and Hydropsychidae), and 5) Tube-case makers (Phryganeidae, Brachycentridae, Limnephilidae, Uenoidae, Leptoceridae, Helicopsychidae, Odontoceridae).
We have photos of the following families below: Glossosomatidae, Hydropsychidae, Limnephilidae, Lepidostomatidae, Leptoceridae, Philopotamidae, Phyrganeidae, Polycentropodidae, Rhyacophilidae, and Uenoidae. For a more extensive look, visit our Web page on caddisfly families.
Caddisflies (Trichoptera)
Glossosomatidae
![]() Glossosoma sp. ESC Note membranous mesonotum and metanotum |
![]() Glossosoma sp. ESC Note anal claw with dorsal hook |
Hydropsychidae
![]() Cheumatopsyche sp. ESC |
![]() Cheumatopsyche sp. ESC |
![]() Diplectrona sp. |
Limnephilidae
![]() Platycentropus sp. ESC |
|
![]() Pycnopsyche sp. |
![]() Ironoquia sp. ESC |
![]() Ironoquia sp. ESC |
![]() Ironoquia sp. ESC |
Lepidostomatidae

Lepidostoma sp.
Leptoceridae
![]() Oecetis sp. |
|
|
Philopotamidae
![]() Philopotamidae |
![]() Dolophilodes sp. |
Phryganeidae

Agrypnia sp.
Polycentropodidae
![]() Polycentropus sp. ESC Note membranous mesonotum and metanotum |
![]() Polycentropus sp. ESC Note: Pointed fore trochantin. |
Neuroclipsis sp. |
Ryachophilidae
![]() Ryacophila carolina gr. ESC |
![]() Ryacophila carolina gr. ESC |
Uenoidae
![]() Neophylax sp. ESC |
![]() Neophylax sp. ESC |
![]() Caddisfly (Trichoptera) in cases |
Pupae in case |
![]() Different types of cases |
Feel free to use these photographs on any of your government, citizen or not-for-profit Web sites. I only ask that you credit this Web site page and acknowledge the name of the photographer in the alt tag. Please email us if you need higher resolution photos or permissions for other purposes.
All photographs marked with ESC were taken at USEPA's Region 3 Environmental Science Center at Fort Meade, Maryland. Many thanks to Dr. Dave Russell, invertebrate biologist, for arranging the instruction and assistance with the use of the Olympus SZX12 miscroscope with an Olympus model DC330 optical mount. Other photos were taken under contract to EPA by EcoAnalysts, Inc. Also see our pages on caddisflies and caddisfly families for more information.
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