Water-lily Leaf Beetle

Water-lily Leaf Beetle - Galerucella nymphaeae

Description

Size: 4 to 8 mm. Basic colour varies from yellowish brown to brick-red and the elytra usually have a paler margin.

Similar Species

Galerucella nymphaeae is almost identical to G. sagittariae and they cannot easily be distinguished, though the food plant helps with sagittariae on Water Dock and other emergent plants and nymphaeae on Water-lilies.

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters.  It is also essential to state whether the species was found on its foodplant as this is a major factor in determining the species.

Habitat

On Water-lilies.

When to see it

Summer and autumn.

Life History

Adults hibernate under leaf sheaths of Bulrush (Typha latifolia)

UK Status

Widespread and fairly frequent in England and Wales.

VC55 Status

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Additional images

No additional images available for this species.

All NatureSpot records