Donacia semicuprea
This record describes Donacia semicuprea (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 6 to 9mm. Upper surface is metallic bronze. The pronotum has a central longitudinal groove and is shining between the punctures. The underside has a covering of short white hairs giving it a grey appearance. Wet areas where Reed Sweet-grass is found. The foodplant is Reed Sweet-grass (Glyceria maxima). A widespread species throughout England north to south Yorkshire, but local depending on availability of the foodplant, and scarce or absent from some areas such as the south west of England.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Chrysomelidae
- Genus
- Donacia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Wet areas where Reed Sweet-grass is found.
Seasonal Activity
April or May to October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The foodplant is Reed Sweet-grass (Glyceria maxima).
Additional species information
Recorded status
A widespread species throughout England north to south Yorkshire, but local depending on availability of the foodplant, and scarce or absent from some areas such as the south west of England.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Donacia semicuprea. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Donacia semicuprea (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Donacia semicuprea
What is Donacia semicuprea?
Donacia semicuprea is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Donacia semicuprea?
6 to 9mm. Upper surface is metallic bronze. The pronotum has a central longitudinal groove and is shining between the punctures. The underside has a covering of short white hairs giving it a grey appearance.
Where is Donacia semicuprea found?
Habitat: Wet areas where Reed Sweet-grass is found.
When is Donacia semicuprea active?
Donacia semicuprea: seasonal activity - April or May to October..
What is the life cycle of a Donacia semicuprea?
The foodplant is Reed Sweet-grass (Glyceria maxima).