| Hydroptilidae | |
|---|---|
| |
| Microcaddisfly from Pryor Creek, Oklahoma | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Trichoptera |
| Suborder: | Spicipalpia (?) |
| Superfamily: | Hydroptiloidea |
| Family: | Hydroptilidae Stephens, 1836 |
| Subfamilies | |
| |
The Hydroptilidae are a large family of caddisflies (Trichoptera) with a worldwide distribution. They are commonly known as microcaddisflies or purse-case caddisflies, in reference to two characteristic traits of this family: Hydroptilidae are much smaller than other caddisflies, rarely exceeding 5 mm (0.20 in) in length. Their larvae do not build a protective case until the final instar of their growth. At that time however, they build a typically Purse-shaped case, either portable or stuck to the substrate, in which the larva finishes growth and pupates.[1]
- ^ Ralph W. Holzenthal; Roger J. Blahnik; Aysha Prather; Karl Kjer (January 12, 2010). "Trichoptera". Tree of Life Web Project. Retrieved April 4, 2010.