Donacia simplex
This record describes Donacia simplex (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A medium sized (7 or 8 mm) metallic brown beetle. Elytral apices are truncate, c.f. slightly sinuate or wavy in D. vulgaris . On the edges of pools and canals where it can be found on emergent and marginal vegetation. It is particularly associated with Bur-reed. Widespread and fairly frequent in most of Britain, although less frequently recorded in Scotland.
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
On the edges of pools and canals where it can be found on emergent and marginal vegetation. It is particularly associated with Bur-reed.
Seasonal Activity
April to August.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in most of Britain, although less frequently recorded in Scotland.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Donacia simplex. 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 simplex (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Donacia simplex
What is Donacia simplex?
Donacia simplex is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Donacia simplex found?
Habitat: On the edges of pools and canals where it can be found on emergent and marginal vegetation. It is particularly associated with Bur-reed.
When is Donacia simplex active?
Donacia simplex: seasonal activity - April to August..