The Caddis-Fly

The damage is caused by the larvae of this insect, which grow into small, dull coloured moths. The eggs are laid in early evening in long, jelly like tubes, the larvae emerging after about ten days and spinning protective cases around themselves. These are made of small sticks embedded in pieces of shell and sand and covered in leaf fragments. The larvae swim or float around in these structures, feeding on vegetation abd devouring young waterlily leaves as they grow to the surface. They pupate inside leaves at the water's edge. Control is almost impossible, but a good population of carp, orfe or goldfish will help.