I found these 3 small Cassisfly cases on a rock in a slow-moving stream in the Smokies. The larvae used small pieces of sand to construct their cases.
are a challenge to find in streams. The little larvae build cases out of sticks, stones, leaves, or snail shells depending on the species. This one is made of both stones and sticks. If you find one of these cases, pick it up and see if it is empty or if it is occupied; the larva will sometimes poke its head out. Just be sure and put it back in the water so it doesn't die! Some people put the larvae in water with semi-precious gemstones to let the larvae make bejewled cases which are used to make earrings and necklaces!
I found this tiny caddisfly on my moth sheet at Cumberland Mountain State Park in Crossville, Tennessee. It is only about 3mm in length and difficult to focus on.
