Aquatic Caterpillars
(order Lepidoptera)

Aquatic moth larva

Aquatic caterpillars include butterflies and moths, the larva of which are called "caterpillars."  Although primarily a terrestrial family, they are closely related to caddisflies.  Only about 50 species of moths are aquatic.  They are mostly herbivores (plant eaters) and are closely associated with their host plants.  Another 100 species are "semi-aquatic".

   Aquatic caterpillars have 1 or 2 generations per year.  The larva (pictured here on the left) often are over-wintering.  Pupal stages generally require a month or less to become adults, primarily in the spring and summer.  Adults may float, swim or crawl to the water surface upon emergence, which usually occurs at night.  They do not die immediately after mating, and multiple matings are known in some species.  Females deposit eggs on rocky substrate, floating leaves, or on plants.  Eggs hatch as soon as two weeks.

   Larva and pupa live on rocks in streams and rivers, and on a variety of plant materials in lakes or ponds.  Larva may swim just below the surface, rarely deeply.  They are not an insect of consistent importance to fish nor fly fishers, but can be a "hotspot" in localized situations.

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