October 22nd, 2014

The video below is of a caddisfly larva and the mobile leaf-house it has constructed.  The head and legs emerge from the tube, and the larva trots around the pond or stream bottom fairly well protected from predators. Each species of caddisfly builds a uniquely different casing depending on the habitat and their needs, everything from this leaf variety to those made of sticks, sand grains or even snail shells. The bits, sometimes meticulously sized and shaped by the larva, are held together by silk and saliva they secrete.  The larva pupates within the casing and emerges from the water as a weak-flying winged insect.

Here is a short video of Grade 4 students from Moffat Creek PS describing the cool caddisfly they discovered during Habitat Studies at Blair yesterday.

Some jewellers are putting beads, gemstones and bits of  glass and precious metals into aquariums to have the insects construct pieces of art for them.  Here are some great photos of other caddisfly casings, and some of the art pieces.

 

Wonder what we’ll find today???