Water lilies, with their broad leaves and striking blooms, are a familiar sight in many freshwater environments. These aquatic plants play an important role in their ecosystems, providing habitat and cover for various aquatic life. Like all plants, water lilies are part of a larger food web and serve as a food source for numerous organisms. This article will explore the common animals that feed on water lilies, from large mammals to tiny invertebrates.
Mammals That Graze on Water Lilies
Mammalian herbivores consume water lilies. Muskrats, semi-aquatic rodents, frequently target the fleshy rhizomes, stems, leaves, and flowers, often leaving chewed remnants. Their feeding activity is typically observed near the water’s edge or in shallow areas where the plants are easily accessible.
Beavers, larger aquatic rodents, also eat water lilies, though they are more commonly associated with consuming woody vegetation. They consume leaves, stems, and especially rhizomes, which are a valuable, nutrient-rich food source. White-tailed deer browse emergent leaves and flowers, particularly when low water levels allow access from the shoreline.
Birds That Feed on Water Lilies
Many bird species forage on water lilies. Ducks, such as Mallards and Wood Ducks, dabble for seeds, tender shoots, and small aquatic insects found clinging to lily pads. Their feeding is generally less destructive than larger birds, focusing on accessible surface parts.
Geese, including Canada Geese, are substantial grazers of aquatic vegetation, consuming leaves and stems. They are drawn to large patches of lilies in shallow waters. Swans, like Mute Swans, are significant avian consumers, pulling up entire plants to eat rhizomes, stems, and leaves, often leaving noticeable cleared areas.
Insects and Other Invertebrates That Consume Water Lilies
Insects and aquatic invertebrates consume water lilies. Water lily beetles (Galerucella nymphae) have larvae that feed on roots and submerged stems; adults chew distinctive holes in leaves. These holes vary in shape, and severe damage can cause leaves to rot. Aphids (Rhopalosiphum nymphaeae) infest leaves, sucking sap from the undersides, leading to distorted, curled leaves and sticky residue.
Snails, including Ramshorn and Pond Snails, graze on algae and decaying matter, but also consume tender new growth or damaged leaves, especially if other food is scarce. Their feeding leaves ragged edges and slime trails. Aquatic moth larvae, like the Brown China Mark Moth (Elophila nymphaeata), feed on water lilies. These larvae cut lily pad pieces for protective cases and cause significant leaf damage.
Fish That May Eat Water Lilies
While most common pond fish do not primarily feed on water lilies, some species do. Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), a non-native species introduced for aquatic vegetation control, are voracious eaters of aquatic plants. Though they may prefer other plants, grass carp can significantly impact water lilies, especially when preferred foods are scarce. If present, grass carp are a notable exception among pond fish due to their extensive grazing.
Recognizing the Signs of Damage
Specific damage to water lilies often indicates the responsible animal. Chewed stems or missing rhizomes suggest muskrats, beavers, or swans, as they target substantial plant parts. Large bites or extensive grazing on leaves and flowers often point to deer, geese, or swans.
Distinctive holes in leaves signal water lily beetles. Curled or distorted leaves with sticky residue typically indicate aphid infestation. Ragged edges on older leaves, sometimes with slime trails, suggest snail activity. Entire plants pulled up or dislodged from the substrate strongly indicate larger animals like swans or beavers.