It's my understanding that those particular beetles feed ONLY on plants within the Convolvulaceae family (morning glory/sweet potato and relatives), and not lilies.

Are you certain of the identity of the beetles?

I think so. Appeared like a ladybug only shiny gold, and with a clear "shell" around it that you couldn't see until you got close. I didn't know to look for that till I found online images. And I can't find any other beetle/bug that looks as close as tortoise beetle.

I thought it was unique and really pretty at first, and I had a photo, but it was on the cell phone that got dropped in water, so the image is gone. Then the holes started appearing in lilies and vines, and I researched it - I found the info on MG family also, but then, the lilies got picked on first. Maybe it's actually something else?

Most everything I can find about the Golden Tortoise Beetle indicates that it feeds on plants in the Convolvulaceae family and is not very destructive.
The most common insect pest of Lilies, in some areas of the United States is the Lily Leaf Beetle.

The dogs, you've certainly described this beetle perfectly. Aren't they fabulous? But I don't think that they are the culprits on your lilies.

There are LOTS of foliage feeders out there.

Hmm, well, you've both given me something to think about. I'm not sure fabulous is the way I would describe them, but before I started blaming them for eating everything in sight, sure, they were eye catching, lol!

Kimmsr, I gave up trying to add my area to my profile, and I sometimes forget to add it if/when I post. I'm just a little north of Boston.

So, if spring ever gets here, I'm going to let things grow. I did a fair amount of looking for something else that might be doing the damage, but I'm far from expert. I'll give it another shot, and hope I can have both the lilies and the MG.

Thank you, both!
Lynn