How do caddisfly larvae differ from adult caddisflies?

Caddisfly larvae differ significantly from adult caddisflies in their habitat, morphology, and behavior. While adults are terrestrial, mothlike insects equipped with two pairs of hairy wings that fold rooflike over their bodies, the larvae are almost exclusively aquatic.123

Key differences include:

• Habitat and Respiration: Larvae live in freshwater environments, where they rely on abdominal gills for respiration. Adults are terrestrial and breathe air.24
• Morphology: Larvae have short antennae and lack wings and spiracles. In contrast, adults possess long, many-jointed antennae and two pairs of wings. Larvae may be campodeiform (elongated and flattened) or eruciform (caterpillar-like), and many construct protective cases or nets using silk and debris.25
• Feeding: Most adult caddisflies are incapable of feeding on solids and primarily imbibe nectar. Larvae are active feeders that may be herbivorous, carnivorous, or omnivorous, playing a vital role in aquatic food webs by consuming plant debris, algae, or other small aquatic organisms.453
• Development: Caddisflies undergo complete metamorphosis, passing through a pupal stage before emerging as adults, a transition that involves significant structural transformation.5