Lily beetle

[Nicos]

A heads up for those of you with lilies….I found one beetle on my potted plant a couple of days ago …..and five today

Kerp those eyes peeled folks!

https://www.rhs.org.uk/biodiversity/lily-beetle

[Babru]

I don't have any lilies as I have two cats. However I looked up the RHS to see if they are a pest of anything else.

"Lily beetle and its larvae feed on the leaves of lilies and fritillaries. The adult beetles are very occasionally found on other plants but lilies and fritillaries are the only plants on which eggs are laid and the grubs develop. Plants can produce a good display of flowers despite leaf damage although heavy defoliation in early summer can result in undersized bulbs developing, which may not flower next year."

I do have fritillaries, so I'll be on the lookout, thanks Nicos.

[Nicos]

Three more over the past few days….

[Mr Bones]

Same here

[Babru]

About 8 found on my pot of fritillary, plus lots of what looked like tiny red eggs or grubs. It was strange, as the beetles were emerging from under the soil. I took some off the foliage and more kept appearing. I was looking specially after your post Nicos, so thanks.

[Nicos]

I’ve only had 5 more in almost 3 weeks so I’m guessing that might be the lot now for that pot- well, hopefully!

will keep checking but I’m glad my post prompted you to look Baru- they do so much damage in such a short time

[Nicos]

A quick reminder to check your lilies - mine are getting bigger - and juicier…

[Babru]

I'll be checking my fritillaries Nicos.

[Nicos]

So far I’ve squished 8 in one tub. The other two tubs are still clear….so far anyway.

[peanut]

4 on fritillaries and 1 on lillies, I hate finding an odd number, you just know its mate is laughing at you from its hiding place!

[Babru]

Maybe the single on the fritillary was sent to scout out the terrain?