Family Leptoceridae - Long-horned Caddisflies

Classification · Explanation of Names · Size · Identification · Range · Habitat · Remarks

Classification

Kingdom Animalia (Animals)

Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)

Subphylum Hexapoda (Hexapods)

Class Insecta (Insects)

Order Trichoptera (Caddisflies)

Suborder Integripalpia

Infraorder Brevitentoria

Superfamily Leptoceroidea

Family Leptoceridae (Long-horned Caddisflies)

Explanation of Names

Leptoceridae Leach 1815

Size

adult body 5-17 mm

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.]

Adult antennae usually 1.5 to 3 times as long as wings (personal observation; RM)

Range

throughout North America

Habitat

larvae are aquatic; adults rest during the day on vegetation near streams and lakes, and fly after sundown (may be attracted to lights)

Remarks

A New Classification

Contributed by Robin McLeod on 19 February, 2005 - 1:23pm
Additional contributions by Robert Lord Zimlich, v belov, Abigail Parker
Last updated 28 July, 2017 - 6:34pm

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