Which family of caddisflies is known as net-spinning caddisflies?

The family of caddisflies known as net-spinning caddisflies is Philopotamidae. Members of this family are characterized by their distinctive behavior of building nets made of silk, which they use to trap organic particles and small microorganisms from the water, serving as their primary food source. This net-spinning technique is a remarkable adaptation that allows them to thrive in various freshwater environments, particularly in clean, fast-moving streams where the water flow helps to bring food particles into their nets.

While Odontoceridae, Rhyacophilidae, and Polycentropodidae are also families of caddisflies, they do not primarily exhibit the net-spinning behavior that is defining for the Philopotamidae. Instead, these families may have different forms of larval habitats or feeding strategies, further differentiating them from net-spinners. Understanding these classifications is essential for recognizing the diversity of caddisfly life histories and their ecological roles in freshwater ecosystems.