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Aquatic Leaf Beetle

Donacia aquatica

Metallic-green aquatic beetle with iridescent sheen. Larva feeds on aquatic plant roots; adult eats leaves; both forms support wetland food webs.

Plants that support Aquatic Leaf Beetle

6 plants

American Bulrush

Schoenoplectus americanus

moderate

grass

Aquatic beetle larvae develop on roots; adults feed on foliage

Bay Area native

Broad-leaf Cattail

Typha latifolia

moderate

grass

Specialist chrysomelid beetle, larvae develop on submerged roots and rhizomes

Bay Area native

Common rush

Juncus effusus

moderate

perennial herb

Larval host; aquatic beetle larvae feed on submerged rush tissues

Bay Area native

Cosmopolitan bulrush

Bolboschoenus maritimus

moderate

perennial herb

Summer; aquatic leaf beetle larvae and adults associated with emergent bulrush stems

Bay Area native

Mexican Rush

Juncus mexicanus

moderate

grass

Larvae feed on submerged rush tissues Jun-Aug in wetlands

Bay Area native

Toad Rush

Juncus bufonius

moderate

grass

Aquatic beetle larvae and adults browse on emergent rush foliage

Bay Area native