Abstract
Simple SummaryThe lily leaf beetle, Lilioceris lilii Scopoli (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is an invasive pest of cultivated and native lilies (Liliaceae). This Eurasian beetle was introduced to North America in 1943, and can now be found in nine provinces and 14 states. The lily leaf beetle has already been found feeding and reproducing on several eastern species of native lilies. To help predict where L. lillii will be able to establish in North America and which native Liliaceae species will be vulnerable to attack, a habitat suitability model was created. This model uses specimen location data along with environmental data to produce habitat suitability estimates between 0 (low suitability) and 1 (high suitability). Model results indicate that the beetle should be able to establish throughout the range of most North American Liliaceae, including species of special conservation concern. With the increased utilization of habitat suitability models in conservation management, this model should be consulted, to help plan preemptive monitoring and control efforts for L. lilii in regions, with Liliaceae species of conservation concern.Invasive species are among the leading threats to global ecosystems due to impacts on native flora and fauna through competition and predation. The lily leaf beetle, Lilioceris lilii Scopoli (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is an invasive pest of lilies (Lilium spp.) and other genera of Liliaceae (Liliales). A habitat suitability model was created using Maxent, to help predict if L. lilii will be able to establish in locations were native North American Liliaceae species grow. The model was created using georeferenced occurrence records from the beetle’s native, naturalized, and invasive range. Model results indicate that precipitation in the driest quarter and annual average temperatures are most strongly correlated with L. lilii distribution, and suggest that the species will perform poorly in very dry, hot, or cold environments. The model also indicates that the beetle should be able to establish throughout the range of most North American Liliaceae genera, including species of special conservation concern. This model can be used by natural area managers to identify areas of high habitat suitability that overlap with vulnerable North American Liliaceae species, and prioritize L. lilii monitoring and control activities as the beetle continues to expand its range.
Highlights
Invasive species are among the leading threats to global ecosystems, due to impacts on native flora and fauna through competition and predation [1,2,3]
In the last two decades, the development and use of habitat suitability models have proliferated, creating tools that can help highlight the geographical regions likely to be suitable to invasive plant and animal species [7,8,9,10]
The lily leaf beetle, Lilioceris lilii Scopoli (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is a Eurasian beetle that feeds on species of Liliaceae (Liliales), primarily Lilium spp., and Fritillaria spp
Summary
Invasive species are among the leading threats to global ecosystems, due to impacts on native flora and fauna through competition and predation [1,2,3]. In the last two decades, the development and use of habitat suitability models have proliferated, creating tools that can help highlight the geographical regions likely to be suitable to invasive plant and animal species [7,8,9,10]. These models are being utilized by land managers to predict the range and impacts of introduced plant and animal species, anticipate potential threats, and enact preemptive monitoring or control activities to mitigate the impacts of new invaders [10,11,12,13]. Larvae and adults are voracious feeders, and can destroy native and cultivated lilies in places where they lack control
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
