lily beetle

[Nicos]

Yesterday I 'caught' 7 bright red lily beetles - 6 in the process of mating
The poor lilies are only peeping an inch out of the soil!
It's WAR.....

[sunfloweruk]

I've not even thought about checking my lillies yet - must go and check them!!

[pigletwillie]

We got our firt invasion last year, the adults areeasy to kill but the young cover them selves in their own poo making them not only difficult to see but messy to deal with.

Its war here as well Nicos.

[Flummery]

Covering yourself in your own poo??!!!
It's a hell of a life.

[SueA]

Glad you've warned me that they're out & about already up here Nicos. I saw something red flying past the kitchen window yesterday & thought 'it must be a ladybird as the lily beetles won't be around yet', now I'm worried!

[Nicos]

Just nipped out to check again....3 more!!!
Don't you just hate/admire the way they drop off and fall on their backs to blend in with the soil!!?
I'm expecting loads this year as the poor plants were munched to death last year. Will be suprised if they flower this year. Fingers crossed.

[Two_Sheds]

I caught some lily beetles back in Jan/Feb - they were hibernating in some dead Montbretia and Oxeye Daisy foliage...a good reason to cut it all out next year.

[Tyto Alba]

The first time I saw one it was on my lilies. I didn't know what it was and let it live because it was pretty.

Never again!

Same thing with those beetles that live on the asparagus....lovely to look at.

I have to admit that in my first year of gardening I tended to let snails live because they carry their houses on their backs!

I kill hundreds now every year WITH MY BARE HANDS.