Section 2: Lakefly Invertebrate Identification
Estimated Time For Lesson: 3 minutes
ID Notes
Caseless Caddisflies are a group of caddisfly larvae that do not build protective cases.
Caseless caddisflies crawl slowly across submerged plants, algae, or sediment, often curling their tail end underneath their body. Some can swim in short bursts using body undulations.
They have 3 pairs of visible legs
Have 2 strong hooks at the end of their abdomen
They have a hardened head and, in some species, thorax
They have a soft body
Caseless caddisflies may be found inside a web or purse-shaped cases made from silk, just before pupating. They can be confused with alderflies, water beetle larvae and non-biting midge larvae.
