Lily beetles, Lilioceris lilii, mating on a plant of the hybrid lily "Casablanca", in August, UK. Lily beetles are an increasing pest in gardens that contain lilies, fritillarias, Nomocharis and Polygonatum (Solomon's Seal). They emerge in early Spring, and feed on the leaves of the host plant before mating and laying eggs. Each female lays 200-300 eggs.The larvae, which resemble small bird droppings, feed on the leaves of the host plant for about a month, causing partial or complete defoliation, disfiguring the plant and reducing flower quality and even flower production. The larvae pupate in the soil, and the adults over-winter at ground level in plant debris. The easiest, and "organic" control is hand-picking of the very conspicuous adults as soon as they appear in April (UK). A Japanese species, L. lilii was first found breeding in the UK in 1942.