Caddisfly Species Helicopsyche borealis (Speckled Peter)
Taxonomic Navigation -?-
Kingdom Animalia (Animals)
» Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)
» Class Insecta (Insects)
» Order Trichoptera (Caddisflies)
» Family Helicopsychidae
» Genus Helicopsyche (Speckled Peters)
» Species borealis (Speckled Peter)
Common Name
| Match | Common Name |
 | Speckled Peter |
The adult appears different in flight from other caddisflies because the top set of wings is attached to the bottom by a row of hooks, so the four wings beat together, not as two spread-out sets.
Where & When
Regions: East, Midwest, West
Time Of Year (?): Early May through July
Preferred Waters: Rivers or lakes; best in spring creeks and large rivers
The emergence of this species lasts a few weeks in any given location. It begins in the East in early May and lasts through June, while in the West it begins in mid-June and lasts through early July.Time Of Year (?): Early May through July
Preferred Waters: Rivers or lakes; best in spring creeks and large rivers
Hatching Behavior
Time Of Day (?): EveningEgg-Laying Behavior
Time Of Day: Evening
LaFontaine gives a slightly confusing account of the ovipositing behaivor of this species in Caddisflies, suggesting that they may flutter around on or near the water's surface looking for solid objects to attach their eggs to, or may drop them in the water. Swisher and Richards give a clearer picture in Selective Trout:During egg laying, the females float in the surface close to the banks, crawl underwater, and flop on the surface to oviposit. They then ride the water serenely in the normal resting position, and trout take them with gentle rises.
Larva & Pupa Biology
Environmental Tolerance: Very tolerant: can thrive in both cold water and hot springs up to 110°F
Shelter Type: Coiled sand case shaped like a snail shell
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