Why are caddisflies among the most threatened insect groups?

Caddisflies are among the most threatened insect groups globally due to a combination of environmental pressures that disrupt their delicate freshwater habitats and life cycles.1

The primary drivers of their population decline include:

• Habitat Loss and Disturbance: As aquatic organisms, caddisflies are highly sensitive to the degradation of their freshwater environments.12
• Pollution: The runoff of pesticides into waterways poses a significant threat to their survival. Because they are sensitive to water quality and oxygen levels, they are often used as biotic indicators of environmental health.123
• Climate Change: Anthropogenic climate change is a major factor contributing to the widespread decline of these insects.1
• Light Pollution: Since most adult caddisflies are nocturnal and strongly attracted to light, light pollution significantly impacts their behavior and vulnerability.12

Protecting these insects is an ethical imperative, as they serve as a vital food source for fish and other wildlife and play an essential role in maintaining the balance of aquatic food webs.12