Caddis fly for ID

NickU · #1 (**permalink**) 26-06-2010, 03:35 PM

Can anyone help to identify this caddis fly at least to genus?

c12mm 15.5.2010 In hedgerow near stream, Wiltshire.

Geoff F · #2 (**permalink**) 26-06-2010, 06:56 PM

Counting the number of spurs on each tibia would help (between 1 & 4). I can't see too clearly from that photo but you may do better with the original.

Offhand, I was considering a rather dark member of the Odontoceridae family; but that is just a wild guess. Spurs should be 2-4-4 for this family.

NickU · #3 (**permalink**) 26-06-2010, 09:49 PM

Hi Geoff. OK, many thanks for your help with this. I've looked at the spurs and I'm really not sure what to count as a "Spur" and what as a regular hair or bristle! If everything counts at the end of the tibia, I'd say there are maybe 4 or more spurs on all the legs, (4,6,4 visible, some black some yellow, but maybe some hidden at this angle) but maybe I'm overcounting. Here's a closer view in case it helps.

Geoff F · #4 (**permalink**) 27-06-2010, 07:14 PM

Well from what I can see of those spurs, at the end of the tibiae, I would say 2-4-4 and if, as I think your photo shows, the first antennae segment is extra thick I would consider Odontocerum albicorne to be a possible answer. It breeds in stony streams.

Initially silvery grey but fades to yellowish brown with age.

But I have little knowledge of this family and my literature is also limited. So can we have an expert opinion please!

NickU · #5 (**permalink**) 01-07-2010, 09:18 PM

Many thanks Geoff for your suggestions on this. I really can see more spurs in the original than you may be able to see in the low res images I've posted, though, and the few images I can find of O. albicorne don't match my fly too closely eg Odontocerum albicorne , Forum Natura Mediterraneo | Forum Naturalistico, though this is an unfamiliar group to me as well and I don't have a better suggestion!