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Lily Pad With Leaf Bites

Started by Guest_RIVERRUNNER_* , Sep 11 2007 12:08 PM

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13 replies to this topic

#1 Guest_RIVERRUNNER_*

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Posted 11 September 2007 - 12:08 PM

I'm not sure where I should post this-

I've noticed over a few weeks many holes in the leaves of my lily pads in the pond.
The only culprit I can figure is some beetle that chews holes in lilys to lay eggs in. I had wondered if my fish would do this, or maybe a visiting turtle. I can see pieces of leaf floating on the water, so whatever is responsible is not eating the leaves. I have looked under some leaves and don't see bugs, snails, etc.

If you guys think the beetle is the cause, should I try eradication? and how?

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#2 Guest_nativeplanter_*

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Posted 11 September 2007 - 12:12 PM

RR,

Where are your lilipads? In a natural pond, manmade plastic pond, or barrel drum?

I suppose it could be either insects or turtles. If it isn't threatening to kill the plant, I wouldn't do anything about it.

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#3 Guest_RIVERRUNNER_*

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Posted 11 September 2007 - 12:32 PM

Thanks for Quick reply!!

I have a 1,000 gal. lined pond with lmb, smb, rock bass, bluegill, redbreast sunfish, & catfish.
Plant combo = lily pads, arrowhead, primrose, iris, and some type of green/yellow grass.

Are you familiar with the beetle I mentioned? I don't really think a turtle did it, but it is possible, I guess. I do get volunteer visitors, I found a leopard frog sitting in a pot with the iris the other day! Hope there will be eggs!

Thanks again

Edit: more searching yielded possible "long horned beetle" as culprit. If this is fact, there is going to be thousands of them if their eggs hatch & survive.

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#4 Guest_RIVERRUNNER_*

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Posted 11 September 2007 - 03:06 PM

I'm glad it is a slow day at work.
With more search engine time in, I'm convinced it is Donacia Piscatrix. It seems these beetles live solely on white lilys, leaves to roots. The damage I can see on the surface of the water (leaves) is extensive. Now I wonder about the remainder of the plants. I really hate to poison anything, anytime; but I wonder what else I can do. At the rate the pads are being chewed on, I worry that I have a serious infestation. Is there a way to target the pests?

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#5 Guest_nativeplanter_*

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Posted 11 September 2007 - 04:20 PM

OK,

Have you seen beetles on the plants?

What species of lily do you have?

It would help to see a photo of the damage, if you have a digital camera.

Also - update your profile to show your location. Your location might make a difference as to what is munching on your plants.

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#6 Guest_RIVERRUNNER_*

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Posted 12 September 2007 - 07:17 AM

I looked under nearly every leaf yesterday after work, and saw nothing.
I'm unsure of lily species, but it blooms white.
I may have access to camera soon.
I'm in NE TN.

-Thanks a lot

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#7 Guest_RIVERRUNNER_*

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Posted 17 September 2007 - 07:45 AM

Borrowed camera!
Notice how ragged old leaves are, and new ones with new holes.
Neighbor's pond, 100' away (where I got my lilys) have no holes in their leaves.

Attached Files

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#8 Guest_nativeplanter_*

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Posted 17 September 2007 - 11:13 AM

Looks like it could be from waterlilly leafcutter moth larvae.

Something that may work is Bacillus thuringiensis var israelensis . This is the same stuff in mosquito dunks (the round donut thingies). It will not hurt your fish. I think you can get it at Home Depot and Lowes.

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#9 Guest_RIVERRUNNER_*

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Posted 18 September 2007 - 07:28 AM

Thanks!

What if I remove and destroy the lily plant? (bury it?)
If I replace it with another, what are chances of it becoming infested?
The neighbor's pond 100' away belongs to father-in-law. It's full of healthy lilys, he won't mind if I chop out another.
Thanks again!

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#10 Guest_nativeplanter_*

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Posted 18 September 2007 - 11:04 AM

My guess is that it could become reinfested, as there are likely eggs on the water surface.

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#11 Guest_RIVERRUNNER_*

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Posted 01 October 2007 - 02:52 PM

Dang...
I've decided to let the situation run its course.
Que cera, cera.

:oops:

I did not mention that I've been plucking caterpillars from the primrose with some regularity. I'm trying to get a photo now.

Thanks a ton for all the info, nativeplanter!!

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#12 Guest_nativeplanter_*

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Posted 01 October 2007 - 05:14 PM

Dang...
I've decided to let the situation run its course.
Que cera, cera.

Don't forget that you can always try the mosquito dunks. They are pretty inexpensive, and won't hurt your fish.

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#13 Guest_RIVERRUNNER_*

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Posted 03 October 2007 - 08:59 AM

Right-o.
Would dunks harm all other bugs too?
I really think the lily will survive, and the fish might eat some of whatever critters are doing this.
My caterpillar photo didn't turn out :sad:

Thanks again for all info.

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#14 Guest_nativeplanter_*

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Posted 03 October 2007 - 09:28 PM

Right-o.
Would dunks harm all other bugs too?
I really think the lily will survive, and the fish might eat some of whatever critters are doing this.
My caterpillar photo didn't turn out
Thanks again for all info.

No, the dunks only work on certain insects. They actually consist of a strain of bacteria that infects the larvae of certain species. There seems to be some evidence that the strain that works on mosquitos also works on waterlilly leafcutters.