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 worldwide, usually in freshwater habitats but sometimes in brackish and tidal waters.
- Features:
- Adult caddisflies are commonly 3 to 15 millimetres in length.
- Generally dull brownish, adult 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.