Pond Boss Forums AQUATIC VEGETATION Balance of plants in the environment Critter pruning Water Lilies?

It looks like some kind of critter is snipping of the stems of my water lilies.



I have about nine planted, some in pots and some in the ground along 200 ft. of shoreline. They are all being snipped about 2 inches above ground level.



It looks like a clean 45 degree cut.



I thought at first it might be turtles so I caged all the plants with 2"X4" mesh fence.



The next day there were more leaves floating. Yesterday I replaced the 2X4 mesh with 3/4" mesh.



I guess it could be crayfish but I have never seen any in the pond and I have smallies besides.

I looked under a leaf and saw eggs of some sort.



Are there aquatic bugs similar to the squash vine borer that do this?

Any thoughts are appreciated.

Rabbits with snorkles?

Honestly, I have no idea.

I would not be concerned with the eggs. The underside of water lily leaves and other floating leaf plants are commonly the site for the deposition of eggs from dragonflies, damselflies, snails, etc.

The leaf cutting appears to be from turtles. Did the 3/4" mesh curtail the problem. It is Spring and there may be several baby turtles in your pond. They could easily maneuver through fence mesh and all turtles are notoriously good climbers. They could easily climb up and over the portion of fence that protrudes above the water surface. Add to this that water lilies are one of turtles favorite foods, especially the tubers.

So it's either the turtle or the hare.

After work yesterday one of the lilys with 3/4" mesh fence was gone. The tops of the cages are about 6" below the water surface so I guess turtles could get in that way.

You could place a trail cam and solve the mystery. I hope you do cause I would love to see a picture of a hare with a snokel.

muskrat