Macrostemum carolina
This record describes Macrostemum carolina (species). Recorded family: Hydropsychidae. Recorded order: Trichoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adult very similar to M. zebratum , but slightly smaller and with darker wing patterns. Also, eyes of M. carolina are larger, with narrower space between. Genitalia very similar, and the two species are presumed to interbreed where their range overlaps. Bionomic and range information obtained from Schweibert, 2007.
Wikipedia reference for Macrostemum carolina: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macrostemum_carolina.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Trichoptera (Caddisflies)
- Suborder
- Annulipalpia
- Superfamily
- Hydropsychoidea
- Family
- Hydropsychidae (Netspinning Caddisflies)
- Subfamily
- Macronematinae
- Genus
- Macrostemum
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Middle South, from Texas to South Carolina
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Macrostemum carolina (Banks 1909)
About Caddisflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Trichoptera, the group containing Macrostemum carolina. 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 Macrostemum carolina (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mark Fox; Additional contributions by v belov , Kyhl Austin
Frequently Asked Questions About Macrostemum carolina
What is Macrostemum carolina?
Macrostemum carolina is a species in the family Hydropsychidae, within the order Trichoptera.
How big is Macrostemum carolina?
12-13mm
How do you identify Macrostemum carolina?
Adult very similar to M. zebratum , but slightly smaller and with darker wing patterns. Also, eyes of M. carolina are larger, with narrower space between. Genitalia very similar, and the two species are presumed to interbreed where their range overlaps.
Where is Macrostemum carolina found?
Range: Middle South, from Texas to South Carolina