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| Scarlet Lily Beetle |
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This pest, as the name suggests affects lilies, it does this by defoliating them.
The beetles are 6-8 mm (¼”) long, scarlet, with a black head and legs.
They emerge in spring, mate, and lay groups of orange eggs, 1.5mm (1/16”) long on the underside of leaves.
These take a week to hatch and are produced until the end of August.
The grubs are dirty orange and often covered with their black slimy excreta, and reach 8-12mm (¼”-½”) in length.
These feed for two weeks before entering the soil to pupate.
After a further two weeks a new generation of beetles will emerge.
They start feeding in preparation for hibernation.
Control is difficult, susceptible plants should be inspected regularly and the beetles and larvae removed; alternatively use a suitable pesticide.
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