Insect: 
Caddisfly Larvae

 

Family: 
Trichoptera

 

 

 

 

Description:

 

Head:  Caddisfly larvae have a worm-like, soft body.  The head contains a hard covering. 

 

Body:  The abdomen is fleshy with a pair of prolegs at the end.  Claws are attached to each proleg.  There are three pairs of jointed legs.

 

Color:  The larvae is usually green, but it can also be yellow or brown.

 

Length:  2 mm - 30 mm

Discussion:

 

     Caddisflies go through a complete metamorphosis.  It becomes a brownish-colored moth during the adult phase.  It is usually nocturnal and has wings thickly covered with hair.  The larvae feed on algae, small bits of plant material, and animals.  Some species build nets where they catch drifting food.