Peltoschema_perplexa

The larvae can eat Acacia flowers. In that case we get yellow beetles.
When the larvae eat foliage, the adults are green.

comments (3)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

That's an interesting little fact. It seems to have a dramatic effect indeed. Posted 8 years ago
1. Martin Lagerwey
  
  Lion
  
  Acacia flower most strongly in winter and early spring. Peltoschema are Acacia feeders in every case but some emerge very early and feed entirely on flowers if possible. These species are green or yellow and blend on foliage. Summer species are orange and spotted, mimicking coccinellidae. They could be considered two subspecies by this view. Posted 8 years ago
2. 1. Ferdy Christant
    
    Lion
    
    I had never considered the coloration in insects caused by their diet. I did know some birds have this, most notably the flamingo, but also this very common bird:
    
    It's not a total color morph, but the saturation of the yellow on the chest is directly caused by how many worms (caterpillars, I suppose) they eat. Posted 8 years ago