Hello Everyone. I purchased 4 Star Gazer lillies for my wife and planted them. This is her favorite flower and upon coming back from a week away I have found this little red bug that has been eating away at the leaves and flower itself. First of all, what kind of bug is that? Second, what is the best way to get rid of this bug. Third, the leaves on the stem of the flowers are badly eaten. Should I remove these leaves?
Well, I did a bit of research and thought I would share with the community. Ends up it's al lily beetle (how appropriate) :P Anyhow, removing the eggs from the leaves (red coloured so easy enough to spot). Some suggest the usual soapy water when removing the eggs as well. Anyhow, If anyone has more suggestions on how to get rid of them I am all ears. Also my question of removing the really damaged leaves remains unanswered.
I wouldn't think that soapy water is going to much more than shine up the nice red colour of you beetle. Other then some sort of contact insecticide "and a fairly toxic dose to kill a beetle of that size" I would think hand picking the adults and eggs are most likely the best control if there only on a 1/2 dozen plants. Did your research mention about the larvae stage? I'm not sure about how many leaves you can remove, But I'm sure a few couldn't be to devestating to the plant. Sorry I'm not really much help. Jim.
The red lily beetle hasn't appeared in the west yet but can be devastating for lilies and fritillaria if not kept in check, hand picking apparently the best way. The larvae are usually on the undersides of the leaves and need to be squished as well. Do a search and you will find lots of discussion on the beetle.
About the leaves, they really need their leaves to rejuvenate for next year so if it is just a few leaves you could cut them off without doing any damage but if they've chewed a lot, I'd put up with the ratty look till they die back naturally.
Thanks everyone. Just an update. The lillies have opened up and look pretty good considering what they have been through. With hand picking and removing the eggs it was very effective. I will simply be quicker next year :) Once again thanks for the help. Btw the bettle is not very big in size. About the size of an pencil eraser. I just did a close up on the bugger,
