Reed Beetle vs Mother-of-Pearl Caddis
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Reed Beetle | Mother-of-Pearl Caddis |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Donacia crassipes | Glyphotaelius pellucidus |
| Order | Coleoptera | Trichoptera |
| Family | Chrysomelidae | Limnephilidae |
| Size | 9-12 mm | 15-22 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Ponds & Lakes |
| 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.
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.
Mother-of-Pearl Caddis
A large European caddisfly with translucent wings that shimmer with iridescence. Larvae construct flat cases from pieces of dead leaves.
Did You Know?
Larvae cut leaf pieces into precise rectangles to build their distinctive flat cases.