Head to head
Rosemary Beetle vs Lily Beetle
Rosemary Beetle
VS Lily Beetle
The rosemary beetle and the lily beetle are two brightly coloured leaf beetles that have become familiar, and unwelcome, in British gardens.
| Rosemary Beetle | Lily Beetle | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Chrysolina americana | Lilioceris lilii |
| Relationship | A leaf beetle that feeds on aromatic herbs | A leaf beetle that feeds on lilies and fritillaries |
| Colour | Glossy and iridescent, with alternating lengthways stripes of metallic green and purple | A bright scarlet body and wing cases, with a black head, legs, and antennae |
| Size | About 7 to 8 mm long | A small, bright red beetle |
| Food plants | Rosemary, lavender, sage, and thyme | Lilies and fritillaries |
| Larvae | Fat, grey larvae that feed on the same herbs and can strip rosemary bushes | Orange-brown grubs that cover themselves in a slimy layer of their own black droppings |
| Behaviour | Active in autumn, winter, and spring, when many other insects are inactive | Squeaks when disturbed, and drops to the ground and lands on its black underside, hiding its red back |
| Origin and status | Native to southern Europe, now widespread in south-east England, and Not Evaluated | Native to Europe and Asia, spread to North America by the plant trade, and Not Evaluated |
Rosemary Beetle vs Lily Beetle: common questions
Which beetle eats lilies?
The lily beetle, whose bright scarlet adults and orange-brown grubs eat the leaves and flowers of lilies and fritillaries.
Which beetle squeaks?
The lily beetle, which makes a squeaking noise when disturbed by rubbing part of its abdomen against its wing cases.
Which one is active in winter?
The rosemary beetle, which is active in autumn, winter, and spring, when many other insects are inactive.