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Caddisfly Collection

The caddisfly, scientifically known as Hydropsychidae, is a fascinating insect that has captured the attention of scientists and artists alike

Background imageCaddisfly Collection: A Caddisfly

A Caddisfly
5308477 A Caddisfly.; (add.info.: Engraving depicting a Caddisfly a group of insects with aquatic larvae and terrestrial adults. Dated 19th century. 01/01/1850); Universal History Archive/UIG

Background imageCaddisfly Collection: Caddisfly (Hydropsychidae) in flight and attracted to mercury vapour light, Lamar County

Caddisfly (Hydropsychidae) in flight and attracted to mercury vapour light, Lamar County, Texas, USA, August. August

Background imageCaddisfly Collection: Caddisfly (Trichoptera sp. ) larvae, in larval cases on rock underwater, River Livet, Glenlivet

Caddisfly (Trichoptera sp. ) larvae, in larval cases on rock underwater, River Livet, Glenlivet, Cairngorms N. P
Caddisfly (Trichoptera sp.) larvae, in larval cases on rock underwater, River Livet, Glenlivet, Cairngorms N.P. Highlands, Scotland, January

Background imageCaddisfly Collection: Caddisfly (Trichoptera sp. ) adult, resting on leaf, River Whiteadder, Berwickshire

Caddisfly (Trichoptera sp. ) adult, resting on leaf, River Whiteadder, Berwickshire, Scottish Borders, Scotland, August
Caddisfly (Trichoptera sp.) adult, resting on leaf, River Whiteadder, Berwickshire, Scottish Borders, Scotland, August

Background imageCaddisfly Collection: Salt-and-pepper Microcaddisfly (Agraylea multipunctata) larva

Salt-and-pepper Microcaddisfly (Agraylea multipunctata) larva, final instar in protective case made from secretions, crawling along edge of submerged leaf, Wat Tyler Country Park, Essex, England

Background imageCaddisfly Collection: Caddisfly larva, SEM C016 / 9107

Caddisfly larva, SEM C016 / 9107
Caddisfly larva. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a caddisfly (order Trichoptera) larva (centre) inside its tube-shaped home

Background imageCaddisfly Collection: Caddisfly larva, SEM C016 / 9106

Caddisfly larva, SEM C016 / 9106
Caddisfly larva. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a caddisfly (order Trichoptera) larva (centre) inside its tube-shaped home

Background imageCaddisfly Collection: Caddisfly larva, SEM C016 / 9105

Caddisfly larva, SEM C016 / 9105
Caddisfly larva. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a caddisfly (order Trichoptera) larva (centre) inside its tube-shaped home

Background imageCaddisfly Collection: Eocene forest landscape, artwork C016 / 5349

Eocene forest landscape, artwork C016 / 5349
Eocene forest landscape. Artwork of a forest landscape in the Baltic during the Eocene (56 to 34 million years ago). This region now lies in northern Europe

Background imageCaddisfly Collection: European river life, artwork C016 / 3451

European river life, artwork C016 / 3451
European river life. Artwork showing various typical plants and animals that live on a river in southern Europe

Background imageCaddisfly Collection: Baltic amber with caddis fly

Baltic amber with caddis fly
A Caddis fly, Trichoptera preserved in Baltic amber. The cracks in the amber are filled with crystals of iron pyrite. Specimen dates from the Upper Eocene

Background imageCaddisfly Collection: Caddis fly in amber

Caddis fly in amber
Caddis fly, Trichoptera, a small moth-like insect preserved here in Baltic amber. Specimen dates from the Upper Eocene

Background imageCaddisfly Collection: Caddisfly (Trichoptera sp. ) adult, resting on horsetail stem, Essex, England

Caddisfly (Trichoptera sp. ) adult, resting on horsetail stem, Essex, England
Caddisfly (Trichoptera sp.) adult, resting on horsetail stem, Essex, England



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The caddisfly, scientifically known as Hydropsychidae, is a fascinating insect that has captured the attention of scientists and artists alike. In flight, these delicate creatures are attracted to mercury vapor lights, creating a mesmerizing spectacle in Lamar County. Dating back to around 1860, a colorful lithograph showcases various insects including the caddisfly. This depiction highlights the intricate details and vibrant hues that make these creatures so captivating. One particular species of caddisfly, the Salt-and-pepper Microcaddisfly (Agraylea multipunctata), goes through its final larval stage inside a protective case made from secretions. These cases serve as both shelter and camouflage for these tiny larvae. Underwater in River Livet within Glenlivet's Cairngorms National Park, Trichoptera sp. Larvae can be found residing in their larval cases on rocks. These underwater dwellings provide them with safety while they continue their development. As adults, caddisflies can be seen resting on leaves along River Whiteadder in Berwickshire's Scottish Borders during August. Their presence adds beauty to the natural surroundings while showcasing their unique life cycle. Examining caddisflies at a microscopic level reveals astonishing details about their anatomy. Scanning electron microscope images capture C016 / 9107, C016 / 9106, and C016 / 9105 specimens' larvae with remarkable precision. Transporting us back millions of years ago is artwork depicting an Eocene forest landscape where caddisflies thrived alongside other ancient flora and fauna (C016 / 5349). Another artwork (C016 / 3451) illustrates European river life featuring these enchanting insects among other aquatic organisms. Preserved forever in Baltic amber lies evidence of an ancient encounter between a caddisfly and this precious gemstone - an extraordinary snapshot frozen in time for us to marvel at.