Caddisflies (Trichoptera) are found from early Spring to late Fall. They are indictors of the highest quality streams in Ohio and they are a favorite food for trout. Every flyfisher should be able to recognize them. The adults can be confused with moths. Pay careful attention to the shape of the wings and how they are held at rest.
There are 18 families of caddisflies in Ohio, 64 genera and at least 270 species (Armitage, et al., 2011). They are reported in every county in Ohio. They can be found, at least as larvae, in every month of the year.
Caddisflies are the largest and most diverse group of the "EPT" (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera) water quality indicator aquatic insects.
About this webpage: Keys for larvae are complete to species or the lowest taxanomic level for OEPA. Keys for adults are still a work in progress, some families are complete to species, others are incomplete. Keys for pupae go to families at this time.
Examine the pictures of caddisfly families below and then to Key to Nymphs. All photos are enlarged to show details of morphology (photo credits: Hydropsychidae, Paul Swarmer; others, Don Dean).
HelicopsychidaeHydroptilidaeGlossosomatidaePhilopotamidaeRhyacophilidaeLimnephilidaePhryganeidaeLeptoceridaeThremmatidaePolycentropodidae
ThremmatidaeOdontoceridaeDipseudopsidaeMolannidaeGoeridaeBrachycentridaePsychomyiidaeLepidosomatidaeHydropsychidae
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This webpage is created and maintained by Don Dean, Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry and Entomology, The Ohio State University. Please contact me with comments, questions about "Caddisflies of Ohio" or to report new findings. troutman4209@gmail.edu
Last updated: 03/17/2020