Lily beetle - worst camouflage ever

I know that the lily beetle is the scourge of lily growers, but you really have to wonder at their camouflage. Most pests have colourings or markings that help hide them on the plant of their choice, but not this bright red beetle. "I am sure no one will me on this green plant".

This time of year I just walk around my lilies picking off the little bleeders and punish them for being so damn obvious (generally under foot).

 

well they are red as they are unpleasant to eat if you are a bird so a pre-warning dont even try , I don't think they know how easy it us to spot them , I have only found one this year .

Spruce

 

But have you removed their babies, they cover themselves with $*!¬ (insert banned word) not such striking bugs then.

 

Which they usually are. No wonder they have so many babies!

They are well-camouflaged when they land belly-up on compost, however.

 

Had about ten so far but disposed of before they have caused any damage.

 

I have not had nearly so many as I would expect by this time. Killed about 20 so far this year. I'm sure I've killed that many in a week before now.

 

They're a total pain here! They start off on my Fritillaries and Tulips, progress to the Lilies and Agapanthus, before committing the ultimate sin by moving on to my Tricyrtis.

 

Agapanthus, Tulips I have never had them on these before , I didn't realise they liked them

 

The Tulips I knew about but the Agapanthus were a new one on me!

 

I sympathise! I don't know whether it's the cool damp air here but I've never seen one on my plants.

 

so you have had them laying eggs and feeding , honestly Longk I never knew I will keep my eye out just in case