Sandy cased caddis (Oecetis)

Taxonomic group

Leptoceridae: Oecetis

Diagnostic features

Oecetis caddis larvae construct delicate mobile cases made of sand grains. They have a pale head with dark speckles, and their hind legs have long, curved claws. Like other leptocerids their hind legs are much longer than their fore legs.

[Oecetis]. Image: Stephen Moore Image — Oecetis. Image: Stephen Moore

[Oecetis]. Long curved claws on hind legs. Image: Stephen Moore Image — Oecetis. Long curved claws on hind legs. Image: Stephen Moore

Typical habitats

Oecetis larvae are common in many slow-flowing streams and rivers with sandy beds.

Feeding

They are predators, preying on other small stream invertebrates.

Indicator value

Hard bottom: 6
Soft bottom: 6.8

The tolerance values (ranging from 0 to 10) give an indication of which are the sensitive taxa (values of 8 or more) and which are the tolerant taxa (values of 3 or less). For more information see: Indicator species

Oecetis larvae are found in streams of moderate to good water quality so they are not necessarily an indicator of pristine conditions. They have tolerance values of 6 (hard bottom sites) and 6.8 (soft bottom sites).