Hydropsyche sp.
CADDISFLY FAMILY (Hydropsychidae)

Description
This caddisfly is approximately 1/2 inch in length. It is a small brown insect that looks much like a moth, except that is has very long, thin antennae. It has a small head and large black eyes.

Occurrence
These insects are common in our area. The adults are most active at dusk, but they will readily come to lights. The individual shown in photo 1 was photographed at mothing lights. The individual in photo 2 was found on the building at Camp Logan Fontenelle.

Comments
There are about 150 species of net-spinning caddisflies in North America. The larvae live in flowing waters and weave meshlike nets to catch prey drifting on the currents. The pupa rows itself to the surface with oarlike legs just before the adult emerges. Many caddisflies are sensitive to low levels of pollution and, along with stoneflies, are used to monitor the health of streams and rivers.

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