Caddisfly

 Just spotted this little visitor on my kit – a caddisfly!  With its long antennae and tented wings, it's a sign of healthy river life. Its larvae build underwater homes from sand and twigs. Nature's tiny architect!  #RiverWildlife #Caddisfly #NatureNerd

The  caddisfly is an aquatic insect from the order Trichoptera. Key identifying features visible in your image include:

• Tent-like wings held roof-wise over the body when at rest

• Long, slender antennae (often as long as or longer than the body)

• Hairy wings (unlike moths, which have scaled wings)

Caddisflies are often found near freshwater sources like rivers, lakes, and streams, as their larvae are aquatic. The larvae are well known for building protective cases out of sand, twigs, or other debris — a behaviour that's often highlighted in biology and environmental science classes.

Since I'm involved in river-based activities and sailing on the Thames, encountering caddisflies is quite normal and even a sign of good water quality, as their larvae are sensitive to pollution.