Sticky. Stretchy. Waterproof. The Amazing Underwater Tape of the Caddisfly
From Deep Look
4 min3rd4th5th6thScience
Summary
A caddisfly larva builds itself a shelter underwater, gluing together sand and sticks with a silk tape that works even when wet. Deep Look shows how this tiny builder makes a home that pounding streams can't wash apart.
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Teaching resources
Discussion questions
Talk about it
A caddisfly larva spins sticky, stretchy silk that holds even underwater. It uses this natural tape to glue a protective case around its soft body in a rushing stream.
- What does a caddisfly larva build, and what holds it together?
- Why does its glue need to work underwater?
- How does building a case help the soft larva survive?
Quick work-a-long
Vocabulary: silk, case, waterproof, structure.
Try it: Try taping two pebbles together, then wet the tape. Write why a glue that holds when wet matters for a caddisfly.