Scarlet Lily Beetle

Lilioceris lilii, also known as the Scarlet Lily Beetle, red lily beetle, or lily leaf beetle, is a species of leaf beetle that feeds on the leaves, stems, buds, and flowers of lilies, fritillaries, and other Liliaceae plants. It prefers Lilium and Fritillaria plants to deposit its eggs on. Fewer eggs are laid and the survival rate of eggs and larvae is lower in the absence of Lilium and Fritillaria species. In most temperate climates where lilies are grown, it is currently considered a pest.

The adult lily beetle has rather long legs and antennae and is between 6 and 9 mm in length. It has vivid scarlet and lustrous elytra (harder forewings). Its head, legs, eyes, antennae, and underside are all covered with black. It features a broad abdomen, huge eyes, and a narrow thorax. There are 11 segments on each antenna. There are two grooves on the thorax and the eyes are notched.