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A real problem to gardeners in Britain these days, a non native species which like many other insects is increasing its range north.
I found this very destructive pest a day ago in the lower paddock, but couldn't get a decent shot. I have done tonight though.
The Lily Beetle was first noticed in the south of England in the 1940s and has now got as far north as Scotland.
A beautiful scarlet insect (sometimes called the Scarlet Lily Beetle or Asiatic Lily Beetle) with a destructive nature, no natural predators in the UK (I think, apart from parasites possibly) and distinctive larvae which cover themselves in their own excrement to appear to be a bird dropping to any possible predators! See photo (not mine) below.
Poke one and it may well emit a high pitched shriek - a warning to other beetles possibly?
Try it!
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