“Northern Casemaker Caddisflies”
Family Overview
Limnephilidae
Northern Casemaker Caddisflies
This is one of the more diverse familes in northern latitudes, including 252 species in 41 genera in North America. Only a few species of this group live in the Midwest and South, which is why they are often called "Northern Caddisflies." They can be found in a variety of lotic and lentic habitats and have varying habits which become more specific at the genus and species levels of taxonomic refinement. Most are shredding or scraping herbivores or detritivores. This group is well known for their diversity in cases materials and architecture, which at the genus or species level can often be used to aid in identification.
Characteristics
POLLUTION TOLERANCE
Mid-Atlantic: 2
Upper Midwest: 1 - 2
Southeast: 0 - 1.1
0 = least tolerant, 10 = most tolerant
FEEDING HABITS
Collector / Gatherer
Scraper / Grazer
Shredder / Detritivore
Shredder / Herbivore
Scraper / Grazer
Shredder / Detritivore
Shredder / Herbivore
MOVEMENT
Climber
Clinger
Sprawler
Clinger
Sprawler
Diagnostic Characters
Media
Audio description of family Limnephilidae by Dr. John Morse
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