Common Name:   Caddisflies
Class:   Insecta
Order:   Trichoptera
Ecological niche:   herbivore; a few species are predatory
Distinguishing characteristics:   caterpillar-like body with filamentous gills along sides of abdomen; one pair of prolegs at posterior end of abdomen each bearing a single hook; most larvae live inside a “case” they build from leaves, twigs, or grains of sand.