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Caddisflies

Researchers at Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University recently discovered a novel species of Caddisfly, named Rhyacophila masudi sp. nov., in Jammu and Kashmir.

About Caddisflies:

  • Caddisflies are moth-like insects that are attracted to lights at night and live near lakes or rivers. 
  • Distribution: They are found worldwideusually in freshwater habitats but sometimes in brackish and tidal waters.
  • Features:
    • Adult caddisflies are commonly 3 to 15 millimetres in length. 
    • Generally dull brownishadult caddisflies resemble moths, with hairy wings and long antennae, but caddisflies do not have the long syphoning mouthparts that butterflies and moths have. 
    • Caddisflies hold their wings tent-like over their bodies when they are not flying.
    • Like stoneflies, mayflies, and dobsonflies, immature caddisflies are aquatic, living in streams and lakes.
    • Caddisfly larvae look similar to the larvae of mayflies, aquatic beetles, and other aquatic insects, but can usually be distinguished by the presence of a “case.”  
    • They feed primarily on plant juices and flower nectar, though a few are predaceous. 
  • Importance:
    • Caddisflies are a vital component of aquatic ecosystems. The insects play a crucial role in the food chain.
    • Not only do they serve as a primary food source for various fish species, they also contribute to water purification by filtering algae and other potentially problematic organisms.