Scarlet Lily Beetle
Lilioceris lilii
This record describes Lilioceris lilii (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
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Terms from the source record, grouped for readability. Broad terms such as size or location are not measurements or a confirmed range.
Wikipedia reference for Lilioceris lilii: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scarlet_lily_beetle.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Criocerinae
- Tribe
- Criocerini
- Genus
- Lilioceris
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It is a pest of Lilies grown in the garden and is often spotted feeding on Lily foliage.
Seasonal Activity
The adults can be seen from April to September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The beetles overwinter in the soil and come out early in spring. The adults stay mainly in moist environments.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This species first reached Britain in the early 1900s. It first became established in the south of England but has now spread across the whole of the country.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Lilioceris lilii. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Scarlet Lily Beetle (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Scarlet Lily Beetle
How big is Scarlet Lily Beetle?
15mm to 20mm (0.59" to 0.78")
Where is Scarlet Lily Beetle found?
Habitat: It is a pest of Lilies grown in the garden and is often spotted feeding on Lily foliage.
When is Scarlet Lily Beetle active?
Scarlet Lily Beetle: seasonal activity - The adults can be seen from April to September..
What is the life cycle of a Scarlet Lily Beetle?
The beetles overwinter in the soil and come out early in spring. The adults stay mainly in moist environments.