About Lily Beetle
A bright scarlet beetle that is a destructive pest of lilies and fritillaries. Larvae camouflage themselves by covering their bodies with their own excrement.
Did You Know?
When picked up, adults squeak by rubbing body parts together in a behavior called stridulation.
How to Identify Lily Beetle
Lily Beetle (Lilioceris lilii) belongs to the order Coleoptera, family Chrysomelidae. Adults typically measure 6-8 mm.
Lily Beetle Habitat
Lily Beetle is found in underground habitats, particularly across Europe, Asia; invasive in North America. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Lily Beetle Diet and Feeding
Lily Beetle is a herbivore, feeding on plant material including leaves, stems, flowers, and other vegetation. Herbivorous insects play a significant role in ecosystems by influencing plant growth and serving as a food source for predators.
Where Is Lily Beetle Found?
Lily Beetle can be found in Europe, Asia; invasive in North America, where it inhabits underground environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Lily Beetle can be found
Is Lily Beetle Dangerous?
Lily Beetle is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Lily Beetle Role in Nature
Lily Beetle is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Lily Beetle
What does Lily Beetle look like?
The Lily Beetle typically measures 6-8 mm.
Where is Lily Beetle found?
The Lily Beetle is found in Europe, Asia; invasive in North America and typically inhabits underground environments.
What does Lily Beetle eat?
The Lily Beetle feeds on plant material including leaves, stems, and other vegetation.
Is Lily Beetle dangerous to humans?
The Lily Beetle is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
Is Lily Beetle endangered?
The Lily Beetle is currently classified as Not Evaluated by conservation assessments. Habitat loss and environmental changes are among the primary threats to its population.
What is an interesting fact about Lily Beetle?
When picked up, adults squeak by rubbing body parts together in a behavior called stridulation.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Lily Beetle (Lilioceris lilii). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/lily-beetle
MLA:
"Lily Beetle." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/lily-beetle.