Insect identifier · Often confused insects
How to identify a Caddisfly
Trichoptera
· Also called sedge fly, perlworm adult
People search “caddisfly” because it looks like something that bites. Caddisfly (Trichoptera) does not bite or sting people. Also called sedge fly, perlworm adult.
Moth-like insects coating a riverside light are usually caddisflies.
What does a caddisfly look like?
Caddisfly is Moth-like, about 6–20 mm. Colors: brown, tan, gray. Marks: Hairy wings held roof-like; Long antennae; No scales like a moth; No beak.
Caddisfly is Moth-like, about 6–20 mm. Colors: brown, tan, gray. Marks: Hairy wings held roof-like; Long antennae; No scales like a moth; No beak.
Identification marks
- Hairy wings held roof-like
- Long antennae
- No scales like a moth
- No beak
Size: Moth-like, about 6–20 mm
Colors: brown, tan, gray
Where: outdoor
Caddisfly vs Mayfly
Roof-like hairy wings near a river = caddisfly. A beak and a hum = mosquito.
- Mayfly identification (Ephemeroptera)
- Clothes moth identification (Tineola bisselliella)
- Northern house mosquito identification (Culex pipiens)
- Indian meal moth identification (Plodia interpunctella)
- Green lacewing identification (Chrysoperla spp.)
Range and season
Active warm months, often at lights. Places: water, lake, yard. Adults rest near streams and lakes. They do not bite. Larvae build cases in the water.
Streamsides and porch lights near water.
Adults rest near streams and lakes. They do not bite. Larvae build cases in the water.
Warm months, often at lights
Common questions
Do caddisflies bite?
No.
Caddisfly vs moth?
Caddisflies have hairy wings and long antennae and stay near water.
Related identification pages
- Mayfly identification
- Clothes moth identification
- Northern house mosquito identification
- Indian meal moth identification
- Green lacewing identification
- Crane fly identification
- Dragonfly identification
- Damselfly identification
- Lady beetle identification
- All insect identification pages
- Identify an insect from a photo