Caddisfly Larva in a Vernal Pool

This caddisfly larva was spotted in a vernal pool in Monkton, VT in spring 2024. Caddisfly larvae use silk to make portable protective “cases” for their bodies. They source building materials from their surroundings, such as small stones or twigs-this one used hemlock needles.
These insects are just one of the many species that rely on the unique habitat that vernal pools provide. Vernal pools are vital to animals like fairy shrimp (yes, that’s really what they’re called), fingernail clams, spotted salamanders, and wood frogs.
Video credit: Steve Root, UVM graduate student in the Field Naturalist Program.

[@TheStockwell]

What an intriguing insect - itty-bitty though it may be. Best wishes from Newport, Vermont - home of the amazing Bluffside Farm! 🍁❤️🍁

[@PigVSPerson]

That is one heck of a unit. Also, if you haven't already look up Hurbert Duprat caddisfly larvae, he did a really cool experiment with there "shell".