Water Lily Damage: Insects, Not Turtles

Water Lily Damage: Insects, Not Turtles

Lily pads severed at stems (20-30/day) with square holes in others. Cement ponds (30 yr old, 500+1000 gal). Snapping turtle seen in yard but lily pads fine in lower inground pond.

Diagnosis: Insect Damage

• Clean cuts = beetles (lily leaf beetles, weevils) or caterpillars (china mark moth).
• Square holes = characteristic of certain beetles.
• Turtles tear raggedly; don't make clean cuts or square holes.

Why Upper Pond Only?

Insects may prefer sunnier, more accessible upper pond. Lower pond may have more predators (fish, dragonfly nymphs) eating larvae.

Control Methods

1. Hose spray: Blast insects off daily.
2. Hand-pick: Inspect leaves/stems, remove pests.
3. Bti mosquito dunks: Some control moth/beetle larvae.
4. Night light off: Reduces adult beetle/moth attraction.

Investigation

Examine plants closely at dawn/dusk. Catch pests in act. Identify species for targeted treatment.

Insects, not the turtle, are destroying your lilies. Focus on beetle/caterpillar control.