There lily cryo (Lilioceris lilii) is an insect belonging to the order Coleopterafamily Chrysomelidaesubfamily Criocerinae. It is the most common cryocera species in our country, also known as white lily cryo. However, there are other species of agricultural importance, which we will mention in the article.

These small parasitic insects do quite severe damage on garden-grown lily plants. It is therefore important to recognize them in time, so as to intervene appropriately with products allowed in organic farming.

Description of the lily cryo

Lily cryo
The Lilioceris lilii it is a small beetle with a slender and elongated shape, which, when fully developed, measures 6-8 mm in length. It is easy to recognize, as it has a bright red prothorax and elytra. The head, the antennae, the legs and the ventral part of the body are completely black.

Larva

The larvae of the lily cryo are orange-yellow in color, with a black head and brown legs. Chest and abdomen have small sclerified areas, present on each segment and arranged in regular series. Above the hips of the hind legs there is a pair of plates which are also sclerified. The appearance is rounded, very reminiscent of that of the most famous Colorado potato beetle. At maturity, the larvae of this cryocera measure 8-10 mm in length.

Egg

The egg is cylindrical in shape, and is rounded at the two poles. The color is reddish-yellow at the moment of deposition, brown afterwards. The dimensions are 1 x 0.4 mm.

Plants attacked by the lily cryo

As the name suggests, the cryocera lives at the expense of lily plants, especially the white one (Lilium candidum). Obviously, the other species of this bulbous plant are not spared (Lilium aurantum, giganteum, regal, tigrinum etc). Other plants affected by cryocera Lilioceris lilii I am the lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) and the hemerocallis.

Damage to plants

Adult cryocers damage lilies by eroding the leaves, in particular by eroding the flap. The larvae do the most serious damage by devouring large portions of the corolla of the flower buds and the parenchyma of the leaves.

Other cryocera species

As mentioned, Lilioceris lilii is the most common and widespread cryocera in Italy. There are other species worthy of mention, whose life cycle and biological defense are similar to that of the lily cryo.
In particular we have:

  • Crioceris asparagus (asparagus cryocera), duodecimpunctata (12-point cryocera), campestris (field cryocera) e paracenthesis (cryocera of wild asparagus), which attack and damage the wild asparagus and cultivated;
  • Oulema melanopus (wheat cryocera) e Oulema lichenis (cryocera of cereals), which attack (with limited damage) the cereal crops;
  • Lilioceris merdigera (cryocera of lily of the valley and onion), which attacks lily of the valley plants, onion, garlic, leek and rarely the lilies.

The biological cycle of the lily cryo

The lily cryo hibernates at the adult stage by sheltering in the ground. It reappears in March, starting to damage the plants. Then mating and egg laying takes place. Each female is able to lay up to 400 eggs, which are laid on the underside of the leaves, leaving them in rows of 6-10 elements.
After 7-10 days the larvae are born, which have a short maturation cycle of about 15 days. After this period they pupate in the ground. The new cryoers appear in June and in summer there is the second generation whose adults represent the wintering individuals.

How to get rid of the lily cryo

The most effective product to eliminate the lily cryo (and other species) is constituted by natural pyrethrum. Pyrethrum-based products have an excellent killing power against adults and larvae. They are allowed in bio and are marketed in different formulations. It is advisable to intervene at the first signs of infestation, carrying out the treatment in the coolest afternoon hours, in order to leave the leaf surface and the soil wet as long as possible.

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Philip Owell

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