Trichoptera systematics: past, present, and future—making the case for continued caddisfly taxonomic research

Abstract We review the developments in caddisfly (Insecta: Trichoptera) systematics starting with Linnaeus through to the present time. We give a brief introduction to the natural history and biology of the order, survey the contributions of prominent caddisfly taxonomists, explore the history of Trichoptera phylogenetics, define synapomorphies for the major caddisfly clades, identify gaps in our knowledge, and make recommendations for the future research in caddisfly systematics. While the pattern of early evolutionary divergences within the order is becoming clearer with phylogenomic data, much work remains to be done to describe unknown caddisfly diversity and to fully resolve their tree of life. This will require the training of a new generation of Trichoptera systematists, particularly in tropical regions, equipped with broad knowledge in natural history, taxonomy, systematics, genomics, and phylogenetics.