Water Lily Leaf Miners: Identification and Control

Small Black Caterpillars Eating Semi-Circular Channels

Lily leaves infested with 0.5 cm black caterpillars on upper surface, mining semi-circular channels.

Identification: Leaf Miners

• Likely larvae of moths (Pyralidae) or beetles (Donaciinae).
• Feed between leaf epidermis, creating visible trails/mines.

Control

1. Remove and destroy heavily mined leaves.
2. Knock visible larvae into water—fish eat them.
3. Encourage fish foraging (don't overfeed).
4. No chemical control needed in balanced pond.

Cosmetic damage; rarely kills plant. Natural predation keeps them in check.