Topic: First red lily beetle of the year...

[dandelion]

Remember to keep an eye on fritillaries as well as lilies! I found a lily beetle + eggs on the ONE snakeshead fritillary that grows in my garden.

[Deb P]

I was just searching for this thread, as I had never seen a lily beetle in my garden until today, and they were on my lovely snakeshead fritillaries too! I squished about 8 of the little critters...now on beetle watch! ::)

[Jill]

Thanks for mentioning frits, Dandelion.  Hadn't realised they go for those too!  My solitary one (of several bulbs planted) - snap ;D - in the front garden looks clear so far but still catching them critters in the back garden.

[robkb]

Remember to keep an eye on fritillaries as well as lilies! I found a lily beetle + eggs on the ONE snakeshead fritillary that grows in my garden.

Yep, I've been picking them off my crown imperials for 3 weeks now. Little blighters aren't they... >:(

Cheers,
Rob ;)

[Deb P]

Remember to keep an eye on fritillaries as well as lilies! I found a lily beetle + eggs on the ONE snakeshead fritillary that grows in my garden.

Whereabouts did you find the eggs? I've had a scout around, but can't see anything obvious....squished another two mating pairs this morning..a least they died happy! ;D

[Eristic]

The eggs are laid in small clusters on the undersides of the leaves. They are easily seen as they are orange coloured to match the beetle.

Usefull link http://www.bluewisteria.co.uk/pest/lilybeetles.html

[Deb P]

The eggs are laid in small clusters on the undersides of the leaves. They are easily seen as they are orange coloured to match the beetle.

Usefull link http://www.bluewisteria.co.uk/pest/lilybeetles.html

Thanks for that, I now realise I have been cleaning their excrement off the stems as well....lovely! :P

[saddad]

Got another courting couple on the patio this morning!
 :-X

[Marymary]

I've taken to walking round the garden with a small bowl of water with a squirt of washing-up-liquid, I pick off the horrid beetles & pop them in the water, they struggle very briefly & then die quite quickly.  With the numbers I am finding it's easier than the squishing.