Aquatic Leaf Beetle
Donacia aquatica
insectView on iNaturalist
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
grass
Aquatic beetle larvae develop on roots; adults feed on foliage
Bay Area native
Broad-leaf Cattail
Typha latifolia
grass
Specialist chrysomelid beetle, larvae develop on submerged roots and rhizomes
Bay Area native
Common rush
Juncus effusus
perennial herb
Larval host; aquatic beetle larvae feed on submerged rush tissues
Bay Area native
Cosmopolitan bulrush
Bolboschoenus maritimus
perennial herb
Summer; aquatic leaf beetle larvae and adults associated with emergent bulrush stems
Bay Area native
Mexican Rush
Juncus mexicanus
grass
Larvae feed on submerged rush tissues Jun-Aug in wetlands
Bay Area native
Toad Rush
Juncus bufonius
grass
Aquatic beetle larvae and adults browse on emergent rush foliage
Bay Area native