Caddisflies are mothlike insects that have four hairy wings that are held over their bodies like a roof during rest. They also have long antennae, with some species having antennae that are longer then their bodies.

Caddisflies in their immature stages are an important food source for fish.

Caddisflies are nocturnal insects, preferring to stay in the shade during the day, though they are greatly attracted to lights at night time. Caddisflies lay their eggs near water as the newborn insects need to be in water.

Order Trichoptera is divided into 17 different families. These families differ in many different ways. The 17 families are: Hydroptilidae, Philopotamidae, Rhyacophilidae, Phryganeidae, Limnephilidae, Psychomyiidae, Hydropsychidae, Molannidae, Calamoceratidae, Odontoceridae Goeridae, Lepidostomatidae, Brachycentridae, Leptoceridae, Helicopsychidae, Beraeidae, and Sericostomatidae.