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Land caddis male

Land caddis male ©Harry Green

Land caddis

Scientific name: Enoicyla pusilla
The Land caddis is the only caddisfly in the UK to spend its entire time on land, with no stage in water. Look in oak leaf litter over winter to see the grainy cases of the larvae, in which they turn into adults.

Species information

Statistics

Larval case length: 8-9mm

Conservation status

Common.

When to see

March to October

About

Of the 200 species of caddisfly in the UK, the Land caddis, or 'Terrestrial caddis', is the only one that lives on land throughout its whole lifecycle; the others all live in water during their larval stages. The Land caddis is most abundant in woodland leaf litter from December to March when it is in its larval stage. As with other caddisflies, Land caddis larvae construct a case made of sandy grains in which they develop. The adults emerge in late summer and early autumn to mate, and the eggs hatch a month or so later.

How to identify

The Land caddis is most identifiable as a larva encased in sandy grains. The adult females are flightless and much smaller than the males.

Distribution

Restricted to Worcestershire and neighbouring counties.

Habitats

Did you know?

Land caddis females are thought to excrete pheromones to attract males. They emerge and mate in late summer and early autumn, living for just a couple of weeks.

How people can help

The Wildlife Trusts manage many woodland nature reserves sympathetically for the benefit of all kinds of wildlife. A mix of coppicing, scrub-cutting, ride maintenance and non-intervention all help woodland wildlife to thrive. You can help too: volunteer for your local Wildlife Trust and you could be involved in everything from traditional forest crafts to surveying for woodland plants.