Ornate Northern Caddisfly

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). Adult 10-15 mm.

Naming

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.

Distribution

Alberta and Montana to Newfoundland, south to West Virginia; also known from Greenland and a disjunct population in Alaska

Behavior

Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light. Adults fly from June to August.

Habitat

Larvae live in slow-moving or standing water.

Food

Larvae are filter feeders on detritus in the water.