Free-living Caddis Larva
Trichoptera
A few key free-living caddis:
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"Western Olive Sedge"
Rhyacophila grandis -
"Little Orange Caddis"
Chimarrha augustipennis -
"Medium Dark Olive Sedge"
Macronema aspila -
"Small Spotted Sedge"
Hydropsyche alternans
The "free-living" type of caddis larva have no case, and inhabit crevices in the bottom, or create tiny food catching "nets" and enclosures in the stones. They prefer cool, clean streams and are generally restricted to a small geographic range by species. They are basically "worms" and appear as such. In many areas, they are generally referred to as "green caddis," which is the predominant color of the larva.
As free-living or "free roaming" larva, they do not enjoy the protection afforded the casebuilding caddis, and because they are more available, they are often a preferred food source for fish.
These free-wheeling insects ("worms") are of importance to fly fishers because their behavior along the bottom can be simulated with fly fishing tactics.
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avg. 11-18 mm; 32 mm max
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100 or more species in North America
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called "green caddis" in many areas
- tolerant of pollution, temperature variations
- each species usually very localized
- primarily in cool, clean streams
Caddis
casebuilders