Caddisfly larvae (order Trichoptera) crawling on aquatic plant. Estonia.

Diving caddisflies (Trichoptera) are fascinating insects that complete their life cycle in freshwater environments. As adult caddisflies, they have wings and are capable of flight. However, their reproductive behavior involves laying eggs underwater. To do this, they must dive beneath the water's surface, and this is where they get their common name, "diving caddis." When the adult caddisflies are ready to reproduce, they perform a remarkable behavior known as "ovipositing." Ovipositing involves

Trichoptera pupa under a microscope, family Hydroptilidae. Last stage before the imago

French Artist Gives Caddisfly Larvae Gold and Jewels to Build Their Protective Cases