Limnephilus ornatus
This record describes Limnephilus ornatus (species). Recorded family: Limnephilidae. Recorded order: Trichoptera.
Identification and Appearance
forewing has a mix of light, medium, and dark brown streaks surrounding short white stripes in the median area; the longest white stripe is in the middle of the wing; 3 or 4 smaller, connected, elliptical stripes/spots in subterminal area (the white spot closest to the costa has a dark dot in its center)
Wikipedia reference for Limnephilus ornatus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limnephilus_ornatus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Trichoptera (Caddisflies)
- Suborder
- Integripalpia
- Superfamily
- Limnephiloidea
- Family
- Limnephilidae (Northern Caddisflies)
- Subfamily
- Limnephilinae
- Tribe
- Limnephilini
- Genus
- Limnephilus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
larvae live in slow-moving or standing water; adults are nocturnal and attracted to light
Geographic Range
Alberta and Montana to Newfoundland, south to West Viriginia; also known from Greenland and a disjunct population in Alaska
Seasonal Activity
adults fly from June to August
Diet and Behavior
Diet: larvae are filter feeders on detritus in the water
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: ORNATUS: a Latin word meaning "heavily ornamented, overadorned, showy"; probably refers to the adult's forewings, whose pattern and colors are striking compared to most caddisfly species
About Caddisflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Trichoptera, the group containing Limnephilus ornatus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Trichoptera (caddisflies) includes ~14,500 described species worldwide. Larvae are aquatic and build protective cases from silk, sand, pebbles, and plant material - each species creates a distinctive case design.
Ecological role of the group
Caddisfly larvae are critical food sources for trout and other freshwater fish, making them essential to recreational fishing industries worth billions annually. Their silk is being researched as an underwater adhesive for medical applications.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Caddisfly larvae are among the most important biological indicators of water quality. Their presence or absence in streams is used by the EPA and state agencies to assess pollution levels and ecosystem health.
Recorded sources for this group: EPA, freshwater ecology research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Limnephilus ornatus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod
Frequently Asked Questions About Limnephilus ornatus
What is Limnephilus ornatus?
Limnephilus ornatus is a species in the family Limnephilidae, within the order Trichoptera.
How big is Limnephilus ornatus?
adult 10-15 mm
How do you identify Limnephilus ornatus?
forewing has a mix of light, medium, and dark brown streaks surrounding short white stripes in the median area; the longest white stripe is in the middle of the wing; 3 or 4 smaller, connected, elliptical stripes/spots in subterminal area (the white spot closest to the costa has a dark dot in its center)
Where is Limnephilus ornatus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | larvae live in slow-moving or standing water; adults are nocturnal and attracted to light |
| Range | Alberta and Montana to Newfoundland, south to West Viriginia; also known from Greenland and a disjunct population in Alaska |
What does Limnephilus ornatus eat?
The diet of the Limnephilus ornatus includes larvae are filter feeders on detritus in the water.
When is Limnephilus ornatus active?
Limnephilus ornatus: seasonal activity - adults fly from June to August.