Explanation of Names
LEPTOCERIDAE: from the Greek "leptos" (thin, fine, narrow) + "keras; keratos" (a horn); probably a reference to the long, thin antennae of the adult
Numbers
115 species in 8 genera in North America (
Nearctica.com)
Identification
adult antennae very long and slender; 5-segmented maxillary palps in both sexes
larva mesonotum either membranous or with pair of small, curved plates; claws of hind and middle legs are equal in length; antennae at least 8 times longer than wide
larval case of some species a "log cabin" type made from twigs; in some other species, the case is made from leaf and stem sections
[adapted from "How to Know the Insects". Roger Bland. 1978.]
Habitat
larvae are aquatic; adults rest during the day on vegetation near streams and lakes, and fly after sundown (may be attracted to lights)
Season
adults fly from May to August
Food
larval caddisflies in general feed on aquatic vascular plants, algae, diatoms, crustaceans, and immature aquatic insects such as midge and blackfly larvae [Roger Bland. How to Know the Insects. 1978.]
Remarks
adult antennae usually 1.5 to 3 times as long as wings (personal observation; RM)
Internet References
pinned adult images of four Leptoceridae genera (Insects of Cedar Creek, Minnesota)
larva and case images of four Leptoceridae genera (U. of Alberta)
preseved adult image of a female
Leptocerus species from the UK (bioimages.org.uk)
live adult image of a male
Mystacides species from the UK (bioimages.org.uk)
larval caddisfly anatomy diagram with labels (U. of New Brunswick)
Contributed by
Robin McLeod on 19 February, 2005 - 1:23pm
Last updated 6 October, 2005 - 10:45pm
