We have no shortage of pests in New England, the Asian Lily Beetle is one of the recent, truly nasty ones.  These voracious, almost impossible-to-kill beetles have taken lilies from being sure-fire garden staples to labour-intensive plants. 

What I have noticed, though, is preferences on their part.  While happily defoliating any member of the lily family; their preferred diet appears to be the bright yellow Asiatic lilies.  This is followed by the other Asiatics (although they don’t care for ‘Landini’, an almost black, purple Asiatic, appearing only rarely on it).  The Species lilies, especially Turks-cap ‘martagnon’ types are next, and last are the true Orientals.  However, defoliation occurs quickly on both the Species and Orientals, and the plant doesn’t seem to be able to survive it.  So, a mild dislike on the beetles’ parts doesn’t perhaps mean much.  Still it is interesting to note this.  Of course, seeing as the critter is here…not planting yellow/yellow-based Asiatics probably wouldn’t help the matter.

At least I am not squeamish about squishing the larvae anymore….ick!