Zebra Caddisfly
Macrostemum zebratum
This record describes Macrostemum zebratum (species). Recorded family: Hydropsychidae. Recorded order: Trichoptera.
Identification and Appearance
head and thorax metallic bluish-brown; mouthparts and legs yellow; forewings with highly-contrasting pattern of blackish and yellowish (or light brown) markings
Wikipedia reference for Macrostemum zebratum: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macrostemum_zebratum.
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
eastern North America
Seasonal Activity
adults Jun-Jul
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Macrostemum zebratum (Hagen 1861)
About Caddisflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Trichoptera, the group containing Macrostemum zebratum. 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 Zebra Caddisfly (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Zebra Caddisfly
What is Zebra Caddisfly?
Zebra Caddisfly (Macrostemum zebratum) is a species in the family Hydropsychidae, within the order Trichoptera.
How big is Zebra Caddisfly?
adult 15-18 mm
How do you identify Zebra Caddisfly?
head and thorax metallic bluish-brown; mouthparts and legs yellow; forewings with highly-contrasting pattern of blackish and yellowish (or light brown) markings
Where is Zebra Caddisfly found?
Range: eastern North America
When is Zebra Caddisfly active?
Zebra Caddisfly: seasonal activity - adults Jun-Jul.