Bizarre caddisflies
Scientific name: Lepidostomatidae
Bizarre caddisflies
Scientific name: Lepidostomatidae
Photo By Jennifer Rycenga , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Members of the family Lepidostomatidae might not be household names, but they play a crucial role in freshwater ecosystems. Often mistaken for bits of debris, these caddisflies craft protective cases from materials like sand and plant matter during their larval stage. This adaptation not only camouflages them from predators but also serves as a personal portable shelter. Intriguingly, each species shows a distinct preference for case materials and construction style, which can be so precise that it assists experts in identifying them.
Species of Bizarre caddisflies
Photo By Jennifer Rycenga , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original