Golden Tortoise Beetle

This little critter turned up on my desk this afternoon, I thought it was a bead or something until it started moving! I have never seen anything like it! Although wiki states this is native to America, several species are also found in Africa and Asia.
(By the way, this is my first ever attempt at macro, so not quite mastered the art yet!)

comments (13)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

It is absolutely fabulous, Claire. What an extraordinary species, I love such weird stuff. Posted 11 years ago

WildFlower

Lion

Amazing creature! Posted 11 years ago

Bagerathan Sivarajah

Snow Leopard

Stunning. Great capture. Posted 11 years ago

Sunil R Agadi

Lion

Wow, just amazing creature. One thing what I know about its shell like structure is, its very rigid and it can slit the skin, its so sharp and tough. Your first attempt has hit the bull's eye. A perfect shot. Posted 11 years ago
1. Claire Hamilton
  
  Lion
  
  Wow, that is fascinating about the shell. I wish the little critter was still around but I put it outside and think it has flown away.
  By the way, I took about 300 photos to get that 'perfect' shot, but thanks anyway. I shall enjoy practicing! Posted 11 years ago

Frankhuizen Photography

Lion

Great macro Claire! Posted 11 years ago

WildFlower

Lion

I think I found a better ID for this fellow - Aspidimorpha quadriremis (Fool’s Gold Beetle). I am not sure if it is the right one, but at least it is found in South Africa. Do you know what plant it was on?
http://www.ispot.org.za/species_dictionary/Aspidimorpha%20quadriremis
http://www.biodiversityexplorer.org/beetles/chrysomelidae/cassidinae/aspidomorpha_tecta.htm
More species and their host plants
http://www.durban.gov.za/City_Services/ParksRecreation/museums/nsm/Documents/Tortoise%20Beetles%20from%20Durban.pdf Posted 11 years ago, modified 11 years ago
1. Claire Hamilton
  
  Lion
  
  Yes, I think you are right there, thank you! Unfortunately I can't find on Wiki so will have to leave the id as it is.
  It wasn't on a plant...it was on my desk! Posted 11 years ago
2. 1. WildFlower
    
    Lion
    
    On your desk, indeed, it was in the description... too bad - it might have helped to confirm the ID.
    Ferdy is now working on the manual species creation tool so we have to wait a little longer to change it. I will compare the species description from the article before doing so. Posted 11 years ago
  2. WildFlower
    
    Lion
    
    I tried to review this one, but there are 2 similar species. Comparing the reference photos I can see the diference in the shape of the side view or some pattern on the top view, but this is not the same point of view to compare them.
    http://www.biol.uni.wroc.pl/cassidae/katalog%20internetowy/aspidimorphatectafig.htm
    http://www.biol.uni.wroc.pl/cassidae/katalog%20internetowy/aspidimorphaictericafig1.htm
    According to this comment though, based on the distribution of the species, it is most probably the Aspidimorpha quadriremis Gyllenhal. What do you think?
    http://www.ispot.org.za/node/202843 Posted 11 years ago
  3. 1. Claire Hamilton
      
      Lion
      
      Definitely the Gyllenhal, I can see quite clearly from other photos I have the four 'legs' markings on the shell, the other one does not have those. Thanks Wildflower! Posted 11 years ago

Ludo Sak

Lion

Claire, WOW! I seldom favourite a shot that is actually not mine, but here it is, granted:) Great shot, a critter like a walking jelly fish, but now exoskeleton like, just wow again. Posted 11 years ago
1. Claire Hamilton
  
  Lion
  
  Gosh, I am honoured Ludo! Fantastic little critter isn't it! Posted 11 years ago

The Fool’s gold beetle

The larvae and adults of Fool’s gold beetles feed on leaves of Morning Glory Ipomoea spp. creepers and solonaceous plants such as potato and tomato. The adult has golden metallic coloration on its elytra that is caused by reflection and interference of light on the different layers of cuticle (skin). There are evidently two generations a years and they are most conspicuous on plants in spring and late summer.

Info 1 0

Similar species: Beetles

Species identified by WildFlower