The Lyons Share

Reed between the lines

Posted by Graeme Lyons , Sunday, 26 June 2011 19:54

I'm pretty sure this is the reed beetle Donacia vulgaris. I saw this today feeding on Reedmace by the edge of the pond at Woods Mill. It was the only one I saw like this, smallish with two obvious bands of colour along the elytra. There were lots of a much bigger reed beetle there too feeding on Branched Bur-reed but I think that was Donacia marginata. I find them a little tricky, I think I need to get a more up to date key than the one in Joy for these smart beetles.

Posted in aquatic, beetles, plants, Woods Mill

7 Response to "Reed between the lines"

Charles Roper Says:

You ain't seen me, roight?

27 June 2011 at 10:42

Graeme Lyons Says:

I would never have thought a beetle could look so guilty!

27 June 2011 at 16:55

Tom Says:

Graeme,
Have you got a copy of Menzies, I.S. & Cox, M.L. (1996). Notes on the natural history, distribution and identification of British reed beetles. British Journal of Entomology and Natural History 9: 137-162.
The BENHS might still have a few copies of this article for sale.

Tom

27 June 2011 at 20:28

Graeme Lyons Says:

Thanks Tom. I have seen that referenced several times but I have struggled to find it anywhere. I am waiting for someone to get back to me on that one though.

28 June 2011 at 04:50

Gibster Says:

I used to go beetling with Ian Menzies, we did pretty well with the Donacia, one of his favourite beetle groups. I could post you a copy of his article?

28 June 2011 at 18:49

Graeme Lyons Says:

If you could that would be brilliant!

28 June 2011 at 20:11

Gibster Says:

No worries m8, I'll get Sam to Facebook you re postal address etc. Cheers, Seth.

30 June 2011 at 17:35