Donacia vulgaris
This record describes Donacia vulgaris (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length up to 12mm with females being larger than males. This Reed Beetle has coppery elytra, with a metallic reddish or bluish central area, though the female is less colourful. Donacia semicuprea is similar but the pronotum has a central longitudinal groove. Around water plants such as Bulrush and Bur-reed, often low down near to the water. Fairly frequent and widespread in Britain.
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
Around water plants such as Bulrush and Bur-reed, often low down near to the water.
Seasonal Activity
May to August
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae are aquatic.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly frequent and widespread in Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Donacia vulgaris. 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 vulgaris (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Donacia vulgaris
What is Donacia vulgaris?
Donacia vulgaris is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Donacia vulgaris?
up to 12mm with females being larger than males. This Reed Beetle has coppery elytra, with a metallic reddish or bluish central area, though the female is less colourful.
Where is Donacia vulgaris found?
Habitat: Around water plants such as Bulrush and Bur-reed, often low down near to the water.
When is Donacia vulgaris active?
Donacia vulgaris: seasonal activity - May to August.
What is the life cycle of a Donacia vulgaris?
The larvae are aquatic.