Lily Leaf Beetle
Wednesday, 25 May 2005 12:37
The bright red adults have been seen for the past several weeks throughout much of Massachusetts (not many towns west of the Connecticut River in MA have been invaded yet). They are foraging for food and eventually a mate. This is a pest of all true lilies (not daylilies), fritillaria, Solomons-seal and others. It is a devastating pest to true lilies. Eggs won't appear until late May or early June, which are laid in irregular lines on leaf undersides. Neem-based products, when applied every 7-10 days, can be effective against the larvae when they begin to appear. The spinosad (Conserve) label lists leaf feeding beetles and may also be effective. Pyrethroid insecticides are also effective.
Fact Sheet with photo: Lily Leaf Beetle (PDF)
Bob Childs UMass Extension Landscape, Nursery and Urban Forestry Program
