Reed Beetle vs Brown Leaf Weevil

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Reed Beetle Brown Leaf Weevil
Scientific Name Donacia crassipes Phyllobius oblongus
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Chrysomelidae Chrysomelidae
Size 9-12 mm 4-6 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Woodlands
Diet Root Feeders Herbivores
Regions Europe, Western Asia Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Reed Beetle

A striking aquatic leaf beetle with metallic golden-green to coppery elytra and elongated hind legs. It is one of the largest European Donacia species, found on waterlily pads.

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Did You Know?

Larvae live entirely underwater, tapping into plant roots for both food and oxygen, using specialized spiracles to breathe air from root aerenchyma.

Brown Leaf Weevil

A brown-scaled weevil commonly found on hawthorn and other hedgerow shrubs. Less colorful than its green relatives but very abundant. Adults notch leaf edges.

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Did You Know?

Creates characteristic U-shaped notches along leaf edges that reveal its presence even when the beetle is hidden.