Latin Name:  Lilioceris lilii (Scopoli, 1763)
                        (R. Bercha, det.)

Length:  6 - 8 mm

Range: Expanding in Alberta

Habitat:  Near Lily's

Time of year seen: Spring to Fall  (Additional Sightings)

Diet: Fritillaries and Lilies

Other:  The Lily Leaf Beetle is an exotic pest that was originally imported from Europe and Asia in 1943.  It was first found in Montreal, QC and has continued to spread its range outward, being found to the east in Halifax, NS in 1992 and to the west in  Calgary, Alberta in 2009.  The beetle has continued to spread across North America unhindered due to a lack of natural enemies.  It causes significant damage to Lilies, defoliating them resulting in eventual death. Adults are strong fliers, allowing then to travel great distances in search of food plants.  Over wintering adult beetles emerge in the spring to feed and mate, the eggs hatch in 8 to 10 days and the larva begin feeding.  As they feed, they deposit feces on their back to discourage predators and shield themselves from the sun.  After a period of time, the larva crawl down the host plants stem and bury themselves in the soil to pupate.  In about 21 days a new adult beetle emerges and feeds until fall, at which point it over winters.   (Majka et al, 2008 & Ernest, 2005)