Acentria ephemerella

([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)
Water Veneer

Sort #: 1610 | P #: 801304 | MPG #: 5299
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Larval feeding type: The larva is aquatic, feeding on the stems and leaves. Pupates in a brownish cocoon attached to the foodplant
Larval substrate: Many aquatic plants, incl. Elatine americana (American Waterwort), Elodea canadensis (Common Waterweed), Hydrilla verticillata (Water Thyme), Myriophyllum sibiricum (Northern Water-milfoil), Myriophyllum spicatum (Eurasian Water-milfoil), Potamogeton (Pondweed)
Phenology: Adult: 7/01 to 8/19 (7 records)

Comment: Females are usually apterous, but a few have wings and are then slightly larger than the males. A. nivea (Olivier, 1791) is a synonym

Status in MA (automated assessment): Fairly widespread, rare
Status in N. America: Introduced
MA Endangered Species Act status: None
First Year Reported: 1959
Last Year Reported: 2025

Distribution by County: Berkshire, Suffolk, Bristol, Barnstable
Number of Records: 8