Larva of caddisfly: description, habitat and reproduction

The caddisfly's larva lives in water and carries out a complete cycle of transformation. The insect is in the house of small pebbles and remains of shells. The larva is used in fishing as a bait and is put on a hook previously removed from its home.

Description

A typical representative of the capitol of the Cover is the caddisfly. Adult individuals are like night butterflies with a mild color. They are small in size. The front part of the wings is covered with hairs. The name of the insect - Trichoptera - is like the Greek words "wing" and "hair".

Best in the immediate vicinity of the water develops caddisfly and its larvae. Habitat - the surroundings of water bodies. Serves as a food for underwater inhabitants and a key link in the food chain. It is found in rivers, reservoirs, streams and lakes.

The life cycle of an insect consists of an egg, a larva, a pupa and a butterfly. In the second stage, it is a large part of life. The time interval between pupation of an egg and conversion to an insect is 2 years. It is interesting as a food for fish at every stage. A pupa is more difficult to find, as well as a hook, so fishermen are dealing with larvae. This applies to the caddis flies creating a house around them, since there are individuals living without it.

By the way, for fishing not only caddisfly is used - the dragonfly larva also serves as a bait, like the formed insect, but there are some nuances. For example, an adult dragonfly is sucked by fish living in the upper layers of water bodies, while all others are successfully caught in the larva.

Reproduction

Female caddis caviar is deposited directly in plants. Preferred deep parts of the reservoir, because there is less danger. There are also varieties that breed on land. Caviar has a mucous consistency, and the testicles are inside. This is a favorable environment for the development of larvae. As the growth grows, the membrane is eroded or removed from the caddis flies. The shape of eggs and their clusters depends on the species. In most cases, it is an oblong or globular lump of mucus. There are cords that resemble a wheel or round plate. Eggs are arranged spirally.

Development

The larva of the caddisfly molts and grows, simultaneously building its house in the form of a tube, making it more spacious. After covering the dwelling, the insect carries it along with it, moving along the bottom. Exposed to the chest, head and 2-3 legs. In case of danger, the larva hides in a case, like a turtle. The head closes the entrance. Ascent is not required for breathing: oxygen comes from the water through the abdominal covering and nourishes blood. Larvae possess tracheal gills, outgrowths on the abdomen of bushy type. As a weighting agent insects attach to the small house of pebbles or shells of small mollusks (empty or together with the inhabitant).

Complete transformation of the insect is carried out. Pupae and larvae are found on the bottom or in water, near the shore. As a result, the larva degenerates into an insect, the head of which is round in shape, and the mouth is directed downwards. Eyes faceted, located on both sides. On top and in the front there are no more than 3 dark peepholes, differing by a rather complex structure. Direction of optical lenses - in different directions. There is an eye on the forehead between the mustache. The insect flies using wings.

Habitat

The movement of these insects into the grass occurs in the summer. Water is better heated by the sun in the shallow water zone and there is more available food. The caddisfly's larva appears on almost every bunch of grass pulled out on land. Plants are full of this type of bait. The larva of the caddis flies looks like a cover. As a binding material, the insect uses silk, which itself secrete. In this process, grass, fallen leaves, rubbish, sticks, sand, shell fragments and small pebbles are used. In the dwelling, the insect holds firmly, so it's hard to get it from there without damaging it. Caddisfly, whose larva serves as an excellent bait, is eaten by fish along with the cover. It is habitual for the underwater inhabitants to have a "dressed" version, so the purified individuals, which are much tastier, cause an instant agiotage. The caddisfly's larva brings a larger catch in this case, and in use it is more effective than a worm or a worm. Thus, perch, roach, pike, bream and other species are caught.

Varieties

Several species have caddis flies and its larvae. Their description and lifestyle are somewhat different. So, some individuals live on the bottom, while others float to the water surface (the houses are made of light material - grass containing air). Their food is pulp of algae. This causes a large number of insects in plants.

There are predatory species of caddisfly. They do not weave the pouch and are very mobile. With the help of a thin thread, insects cling to rocks and seashells on the bottom, resist the current, equip a network of cobwebs that look like a funnel. The source of power is mosquito larvae, small crustaceans and copepods. This larva has a strong jaw - this helps to quickly cope with prey. Such individuals are of little interest to fishermen, since their search and storage is difficult. Preferred are the larvae living in the house. They are collected manually. Great number of them in the grass in the summer. Plants for this are considered very carefully - it's not easy to notice the camouflage of the larva at once.

Extraction

The larva is easily extracted, especially if the fisherman has experience in this case. In case of danger, the caddis flock is completely immersed in the shell. The posterior tip of the tube contracts. On the other hand, the head protrudes. It is carefully taken and pulled to remove the entire body. The insect has jaws and does not look the most pleasant, but it should not be an obstacle. A fisherman who knows his own business acts confidently and without hesitation. You can be absolutely sure: a finger caddish can not bite a finger. The bait is removed from the shelter, pressing against the walls - the larva remains intact. Naiad (dragonfly larva) is extracted in the same way.

Caddisfish are used as bait at all seasons. Methods of production in winter differ from summer ones. They are more complicated, as are the methods of harvesting. Nevertheless, if you wish, everything is possible. This tradition came from Karelia, where special preliminary measures for bait cultivation were traditionally welcomed. For example, before the freeze-up, a place was chosen on the river or stream, and the bottom was laid with bath brooms and stones that held them. Before the beginning of fishing, the broomsticks were taken, and when the fisherman began to shake them, larvae fell onto the ice. The next time new insects were stuck on the items. The broom became a shelter and refuge for the caddisfly, especially when the object was sprinkled with flour or fastened something edible (bacon, bread).

Bait storage

Serious and experienced fishermen know how to preserve the larva of the caddisfly. To do this, use a damp cloth, a plastic box, and also use wet foam strips. Outside the house, individuals die quickly. Long-term storage is possible when the bait is arranged in a row and tightly wrapped so that the insect does not leave the dwelling.

With a cool temperature caddis will live another month. To make the larva movable before fishing, use a cloth bag placed in water. On polyethylene, the assembled houses are laid one layer at a short distance from each other, otherwise during defrosting, damage is possible. Top the second layer and put it in the freezer.

Acting carefully and scrupulously, the fishermen provide themselves with the bait for the next fishing: cut off the necessary amount with scissors, and put the rest in a box. On the way to the reservoir, thawing takes place, so it is then easy to plant it on the point of the hook. Previously, the larva is released from the house if it can be done. Otherwise, the cover is broken or pierced with a pin on the back of the insect.

Using

In the process of fishing, the larva is hooked and a float is used. In conditions of strong current, the bite is good: the float deviates to the side or quickly leaves down and for a few moments the waiting lasts. The fish swallows the caddisfly, and then a cut is made and the line is quickly wound up.

The goal in the meantime tries to swim away into the thickets. To prevent it from falling off, the rod is held perpendicular to the shore, directing the prey to the center of the river. The force of the bursting fish adds to the current, which causes difficulties. However, acting decisively, the fishermen receive a solid catch.

Trying to use this bait, people are convinced of its effectiveness in comparison with worms and maggots, so they apply constantly.