Water-lily Reed Beetle vs Orange-barred Sulphur

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Water-lily Reed Beetle Orange-barred Sulphur
Scientific Name Donacia simplex Phoebis philea
Order Coleoptera Lepidoptera
Family Chrysomelidae Pieridae
Size 7-9 mm Wingspan 67-80mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Underground
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe, Asia, North America North America, South America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Water-lily Reed Beetle

A metallic coppery-bronze aquatic beetle with longitudinal ridges on the elytra. Adults sit on floating leaves of pondweeds and bur-reeds in still or slow-flowing water.

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Did You Know?

Larvae construct a silken cocoon underwater attached to plant roots, filling it with air obtained from the plant's tissues for pupation.

Orange-barred Sulphur

A large bright yellow butterfly with orange bar markings on the upper forewings. Females are more muted with reddish markings.

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Did You Know?

Males patrol large territories and engage in spiraling aerial battles with rivals that can last several minutes.