Heteroplectron californicum

[Mark Melton]

These caddisfly larvae change their cases from redwood needles and other debris found in the stream to small pieces of twigs which are hollowed out. The cases are lined with silk and the rear end is plugged with a small stone or piece of wood secured with silk. They will also use Nerophilus californicus cases on occasion, adding small pieces of wood to the front of the case and plugging the rear of the case with stones. The specimens below are all from Mill Creek (a tributary to the Russian River). They're usually found in calm water near the edge of the streams.

Immature lava and case. Larva 8mm.


Immature larvae and cases. Cases 8-14mm. Larvae 6-8mm.


Mature larvae with cases. Cases 29, 26 and 20mm. Larvae from left to right 21,19 and 17mm.


This Heteroplectron californicum larvae took over this Nerophilus californicus case.


Nerophilus californicus case and larva


Nerophilus californicus larva

 

[ABITNF]

Words cannot easily describe the wonder of these insects. It's things like this that make fly fishing so therapeutic. It teaches us how to look upon even the smallest of things with great care. To be attentive to nature and all its details. It draws us in, connecting us to a greater whole. It humbles and frees us from the worry of that other world where there is no calm.

Thank you for this.

 

[Billy]

These caddisfly larvae change their cases from redwood needles and other debris found in the stream to small pieces of twigs which are hollowed out. The cases are lined with silk and the rear end is plugged with a small stone or piece of wood secured with silk. They will also use Nerophilus californicus cases on occasion, adding small pieces of wood to the front of the case and plugging the rear of the case with stones. The specimens below are all from Mill Creek (a tributary to the Russian River). They're usually found in calm water near the edge of the streams.

Immature lava and case. Larva 8mm.
View attachment 49915

Immature larvae and cases. Cases 8-14mm. Larvae 6-8mm.
View attachment 49916

Mature larvae with cases. Cases 29, 26 and 20mm. Larvae from left to right 21,19 and 17mm.
View attachment 49917

This Heteroplectron californicum larvae took over this Nerophilus californicus case.
View attachment 49918

Nerophilus californicus case and larva
View attachment 49919

Nerophilus californicus larva
View attachment 49920

That case is incredible. Seems especially difficult to build underwater.