MFreeman_LLB Native Host Plant Data.docx.xlsx

Invasive insects often feed on novel plant species that are related to hosts in their native range, including species of conservation concern. The lily leaf beetle, Lilioceris lilii, a Eurasian pest of cultivated lilies, is one such invader that was introduced to Canada in 1943 and has since spread throughout the Northeastern US and Canada.Although L. lilii feeds on hosts across at least five genera, it is often unknown what hosts it will feed on in newly invaded regions. We addressed this knowledge gap with experiments of L. lilii on native host plants found in the Pacific Northwest United States, where it was first detected in 2011 and has the potential for population expansion. We conducted oviposition and larval feeding trials with Calochortus tolmiei, Fritillaria affinis, Lilium columbianum, and Prosartes hookeri. Trials showed that female L. lilii oviposited on all hosts tested, and larvae fed on all hosts except P. hookeri.