Water lilies, with their broad pads and vibrant blossoms, contribute significantly to the beauty and ecological balance of ponds and water features. These aquatic plants provide shade, shelter for fish, and a surface for various invertebrates, supporting a diverse ecosystem. As part of the natural food web, water lilies serve as a food source for a range of creatures in and around aquatic environments.
Aquatic Eaters of Water Lilies
Several aquatic inhabitants commonly feed on water lilies, often leaving distinct signs of their presence. Certain fish species, such as Koi and Goldfish, can consume water lily roots and rhizomes. They may also nibble on tender new leaves or stems, leading to stunted growth or dislodged plants. The damage from larger fish typically appears as uprooted plants or ragged tears on submerged parts.
Pond snails, including ramshorn and great pond snails, rasp away at water lily leaves. These mollusks create irregular holes or thinned patches on submerged and floating pads as they graze. Their feeding is often more noticeable on younger, softer leaves, which are easier to consume.
Aquatic insects also target water lilies, notably the water lily beetle (Galerucella nymphaeae). Both adult beetles and their larvae chew distinctive holes and grooves on the upper surface of lily pads, causing leaves to brown and decay. Some aquatic caterpillars, the larvae of certain moths, also feed on water lily leaves, causing similar damage.
Semi-Aquatic and Terrestrial Eaters
Animals frequenting the water’s edge can also damage water lilies. Muskrats consume the fleshy rhizomes and tubers, often pulling entire plants from the pond bottom, resulting in missing plants or large, irregular chew marks on submerged root structures. Evidence includes gnawed plant material floating on the water or small, conical droppings near the pond.
Voles, though primarily terrestrial, may feed on water lily stems and leaves near the waterline, leaving small, neat chew marks. Ducks and geese readily consume water lily leaves and flowers, often nipping off large sections or entire pads. Their activity is identified by clean, clipped edges on leaves or missing flower buds.
Deer may browse on floating pads or emergent stems if other vegetation is scarce, resulting in ragged tears on leaves due to their lack of upper incisors. Deer tracks or droppings near the pond can indicate their involvement.
Identifying the Culprit and Damage Signs
Observing specific damage patterns provides strong clues about which creature is consuming your water lilies.
Large, ragged tears on leaves or missing flowers often suggest feeding by larger animals like ducks, geese, or deer.
Clean, precise cuts on stems or leaves might indicate sharp-toothed rodents such as voles.
Complete disappearance of plants or extensive damage to rhizomes points towards muskrats or large fish.
Small, irregular holes or transparent patches on lily pads are characteristic signs of snail activity.
Distinct round or elongated holes on leaf surfaces, sometimes with browning or skeletonizing, often indicate water lily beetles or aquatic caterpillars.
Checking for droppings or tracks around the pond’s perimeter offers additional evidence. Noticing the time of day when damage occurs can also narrow down possibilities, as some animals are nocturnal while others are active during daylight hours.