Long Horned Caddisfly (Leptocerus americanus): Looks like a squid on my porch screen

Story

These insects can easily be mistaken by moths (when wings are open), which are sort of a cousin to them. Very particular bug that caught my attention because of its squid looking shape; only when it spread its wings, did it look like the insect it is. Caddisflies are actually aquatic insects when in their larvae stage, and are very well known for building silk cages which they carry around like hermit crabs. They are an important source of food for fish hence sports fishermen try to match their "artificial flies" to the caddisflies. Wikipedia has a very good article about caddisflies in general.

Date of sighting

21 Sep 2006

Location

Tampa, FL 33647
Long Horned Caddisfly - Leptocerus americanus

Species

Leptocerus americanus?