Painted Reed Beetle vs Green Chironomid

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Painted Reed Beetle Green Chironomid
Scientific Name Plateumaris sericea Tanytarsus pallidicornis
Order Coleoptera Diptera
Family Chrysomelidae Chironomidae
Size 7-10 mm 3-5 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Ponds & Lakes
Diet Root Feeders Omnivores
Regions Europe, Asia Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Painted Reed Beetle

A brilliantly metallic leaf beetle found on aquatic plants, varying from green to blue, copper, or purple. Larvae feed on submerged root systems.

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Did You Know?

Larvae breathe underwater by tapping into the air channels of aquatic plant roots.

Green Chironomid

A small greenish midge common in clean flowing water habitats. Larvae build portable silk tubes attached to stone surfaces.

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Did You Know?

Males form dense aerial mating swarms at dusk that resemble rising columns of smoke above waterways.