For the past several years, starting each spring and into the summer months, I have been pestered by Red Lily Beetles on my Tiger Lilies . These beetles stand out quite well on green plants, but they are a trick to catch and squash. I declare I think they see me coming because, often, as I move in on their position, they drop to the earth below and essentially disappear in the shadows.
For the past several years, starting each spring and into the summer months, these colorful red lily beetles which are not very large, have done a number on the leaves, buds, stems, and flowers of a wide variety of my lilies and fritillaria. Try as I might to keep up with the consumption of my Tiger Lilies, I have had no blooms on the plants for at least five years! I have been pestered by red lily beetles on my tiger lilies.
These beetles stand out quite well on green plants, but they are a trick to catch and squash. I declare I think they see me coming because, often, as I move in on their position, they drop to the earth below and essentially disappear in the shadows.
But after a lot of effort, the red lily bugs are gone, and you can imagine my thrill and satisfaction when finally, my tiger lilies prevailed, and I was rewarded with some stunning, intricate flowers. The plants themselves, however, look downright deplorable, with the leaves reduced to tattered remains of their earlier selves.
I hesitate to take credit for the perfect blossoms because I often forget to check the plants for the presence of the beetles, giving them free reign to feast and propagate.
I was naive in thinking that it was only the red lily beetle adults that were eating the leaves of my plants. I have since learned that both the red lily beetle adults and their newly hatched offspring, the larvae, are guilty of devouring any and all parts of the plants and their flowers. But with renewed efforts, I am on the watch for these little beasties. Wish me luck!
Frame To Frame – Bob and Jean
I live in Toronto and spotted these suckers on my lilies and Fritillaria. What a sad day. I kill 20-30 a day with my morning cup of coffee in hand. What an awful way to start the day. Since they live in the soil would it be ill advised to dig up the bulbs when they start to come up and look in the soil.
Hi Susan. These beetles are annoying and persistent little devils. I feel the best way of dealing with them is by handpicking as you do. I’ve heard that Neem Oil might deter them, and even though I purchased some, I have not tried it out. Digging up the bulbs might put too much stress on them as they are putting out new growth. Hope this helps.
What a riot of wonderful colour.So interesting to read your post.
I am glad you enjoyed reading about the challenges I face in my garden. Always a source of enjoyment, my garden amazes me every year when it gradually transforms from the bleak and barren flower beds of winter and early spring into the riot of flowers and shrubs of summer. Nature is truly astounding.