Waterlily Leaf Beetle vs Spotted Grass Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Waterlily Leaf Beetle Spotted Grass Moth
Scientific Name Galerucella nymphaeae Rivula propinqualis
Order Coleoptera Lepidoptera
Family Chrysomelidae Crambidae
Size 5-7 mm 15-20 mm wingspan
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Ponds & Lakes
Diet Herbivores Omnivores
Regions Europe, Northern Asia Eastern North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Waterlily Leaf Beetle

A small, brown leaf beetle that feeds on the upper surfaces of waterlily pads. It creates distinctive feeding grooves across floating leaves.

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Did You Know?

Although it feeds on aquatic plants, the beetle cannot swim and will drown if it falls off a lily pad into open water.

Spotted Grass Moth

A tiny yellowish moth with a distinctive dark spot on each forewing. It is extremely common in damp grassy habitats across eastern North America.

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Did You Know?

Despite being one of the most abundant moths in its range, it is so small that most people never notice it.