Can anyone identify what these are? They are all over all of my lilies but nothing else. What are they and should I kill them or let them be, as the plant is done blooming for the year anyway. I've seen spiders, wasps and other things eating them so I don't want to upset the eco system if they aren't really harming the plant except cosmetically for right now. They did not show up until long after the blooms had all faded. Thanks in advance for your help!
ID Lily killer please!
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Aphids being looked after by ants. Ants ' milk' them for the honeydew which is the sugary sap of the plant excreted by the aphids.
I had thought they were aphids but never saw them with the dot on the back before. Also couldn't figure out the white and black bugs. Yuck! Should I spray for them? Will they harm the bulbs or just leave them be and treat in spring when they start sprouting?
MaryMary
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Purple-spotted lily aphids, if you want to be exact.
I don't think they will harm the bulbs, but I would get rid of them anyway. If nothing else, it might lessen the infestation next year. I've had good luck with spraying them with a solution of water and a little dish detergent. Spritz them with soapy water, wait two days, repeat if necessary.
The Purple-spotted Lily Aphid (Macrosiphium lilii). This large, colorful aphid probably came over from Asia. It has long been a scourge of garden Lilies (Lilium spp.). Certainly something to keep an out for, and eliminate if possible.