Lilioceris egena explained

Lilioceris egena, commonly known as black-bellied long-necked goldenrod, is a species of beetle, belonging to the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Criocerinae. The larvae feed on air potato bulbils.

Distribution

Lilioceris egena is native to Southeast Asia, and has been found in China (Anhui, Fujian, Hainan, Hong Kong, Sichuan, and Yunnan Provinces), India (Assam, Karnataka, and Uttarhand), Laos (Vientianne Province), Nepal, Vietnam (Tây Nihn and Ho Chi Minh Provinces), and Singapore.^[1]

Description

Lilioceris egena has a reddish-brown or yellowish-brown body colour, a black or dark brown ventral surface. The base of the scutes has a few seta and the seta are sparse on the lateral sides of the metathoracic, abdominal and lateral plates. The prothorax is smooth, with a vertical row of stipples in the middle.

Biological control

It is being released in Florida as a biological control for air potato (Dioscorea bulbifera) vines. Females lay eggs on the air potatoes' tubers and the larvae feed on them.^{[2] [3]}

See also

• Lilioceris cheni, another species that feeds on air potato
• Scarlet lily beetle, a species that feeds on lily bulbs

Notes and References

1. Web site: Air potatoes a growing problem in South Florida. January 9, 2014.
2. Web site: EENY-804/IN1406: Lilioceris egena (Weise) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Criocerinae)—Biological Control Agent of Air Potato Vine. Ask IFAS - Powered by EDIS.
3. Web site: Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services. Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer. Services. www.fdacs.gov.