Saturday, July 26, 2003

Better Dead than Red?

I've been taking pictures of the insects I find in my yard (the ones that stay still long enough), and was happy to come across this bright red beauty last week:

photo of lily leaf beetle

Turns out it's a lily leaf beetle (Lilioceris lilii), a Eurafrican species which arrived in Massachusetts only a few years ago, yet has already wreaked havoc on thousands of lilies. I only have about 4-5 lilies in my yard, all clustered together in pots, and they were covered in beetle larvae this spring. I have only ever observed them on the Asian lilies, but the species has been known to nibble on some native plants, including Solomon's seal (Polygonatum spp.). If you're having problems with the lily leaf beetle, you can find out more about how to get rid of it by clicking here.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I am having a huge problem with this beetle, i live in kent and for the past 2 years this beetle has merrily eaten away at my lillys. i have purchased new ones from the local garden center but am still having problems. i have now taken the bulbs out of the soil and destroyed the remaining soil left in the pot i don't plan on replanting then until next year hopefully this will help. i would gladly accept some advice on controlling this pest.