Jan 12, 2025
#2726 - Fam. Hydrobiosidae
Probably the Common Green Freeliving Caddisfly Hydrobiosis parumbripennis, but most of the Hydrobiosidae look very alike.
If it is that species, they live in stony streams where the first three instars are mostly detritus feeders, then switch to preying on other aquatic insects for the final two instars. The larvae of New Zealand Hydrobiosids have pincers on their forelegs.
Unlike most Caddisflies, these ones don't construct a case for their protection, probably because it would slow them down when they're hunting.
Waipiata, Aotearoa New Zealand.