Caddisfly Larvae Have Been Using Microplastics Since the 1970s, Study Finds

[frankerkanol]

Biologists at the Naturalis Biodiversity Center in the Netherlands have uncovered compelling evidence that caddisfly larvae have been incorporating microplastics into their protective casings as early as the 1970s. Their findings, published in Science of The Total Environment, came from an analysis of historical specimens preserved in the museum’s collection.

Caddisflies, moth-like insects found near freshwater sources around the world, lay their eggs in gelatinous clusters near lakes and streams. Once the larvae hatch, they instinctively begin to construct protective casings using available materials—typically sand, plant fragments, and other natural debris—to shield themselves from predators.

The discovery came when one of the researchers noticed a brightly colored fragment embedded in a larval casing. Further analysis revealed it was a microplastic particle. This prompted a detailed review of the museum’s 549 caddisfly larval casings, gathered over several decades. The team found microplastic fragments in numerous samples.

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One casing dated to 1986 contained several pieces of blue plastic, while another from 1971 included a yellow plastic fragment. Some casings also revealed traces of plastic additives like lead, titanium, and zinc—materials often used in the production of synthetic polymers.

These findings indicate that environmental microplastic pollution has been present far longer than previously documented. The researchers suggest this may partially explain the widespread distribution of microplastics in ecosystems around the globe and raise the possibility that many other organisms have been similarly affected for decades.

The study also highlights potential ecological risks. Unlike natural materials, the plastics were more brightly colored and buoyant, potentially making the larvae more conspicuous and vulnerable to predators such as fish and birds.

This research offers an unsettling glimpse into the long-standing and pervasive impact of plastic pollution, even on organisms that live hidden beneath the surface of our waterways.