What's eating my typha latifolia?

Common bulrush (Typha latifolia) is most seriously damaged by the bulrush wainscot moth (Nonagria typhae), whose larvae bore into stems. Aphids colonise young growth, and muskrats and geese graze rhizomes in North America. In the UK, reed beetles and their larvae also skeletonise leaves in summer.

Caterpillars bore into stems, causing wilting and collapse of individual shoots from the inside Cut and remove affected stems below the waterline in summer; dispose away from the pond. No practical chemical control in aquatic settings.

Adults skeletonise leaf surfaces; larvae feed on underwater roots, leaving bleached linear scars on leaves Tolerate low populations — Donacia are native and ecologically important. Remove heavily damaged stems; maintain plant vigour through thinning.

Dense colonies on young shoot tips and leaf bases in spring; yellowing and sooty mould Blast off with water jet. Encourage ladybirds and hoverflies. Avoid insecticides near open water.

Rhizomes and young shoots eaten; large areas of established stands can be grazed to mudflats Fencing in managed ponds; allow stands to be extensive so natural grazing pressure is diluted.