Explanation of Names
From Greek, Dona, meaning "reed."
Identification
In contrast with a similar genus, Plateumaris, the genus Donacia has these traits:
Elytral margin normal at apex, not with sutral bead expanded.
Elytral apices trunctate in most species, not rounded.
Hypomeron of pronotum usually has a broad pubescent area.
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Note that the hypomeron is the part of the pronotum that is visible in a lateral view of the insect.
Host plants can help with ID as well. The host plants of subgenus Donacia are waterlilies, in the genera Brasenia, Nuphar, and Nymphaea. Host plants of subgenus Donaciomima include waterlilies in the genus Nymphaea, as well as a number of other kinds of plants.
Host plants of genus Plateumaris are not waterlilies; these hosts include Acorus, Carex, Eleocharis, Scirpus, Juncus, Caltha, and Ranunculus.
(1)Range
Most common in the northeastern US and southeastern Canada: only one of the Nearctic species in the genus is lacking from this region.
See Also
Similar genus: Plateumaris.
Print References
Arnett et al, American Beetles, page 640.
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Downie and Arnett, Beetles of Northeastern North America, pages 1289-1298.
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