Golden Tortoise Beetle - Charidotella sexpunctata

The larvae of the Golden Tortoise Beetle have broad, flattened bodies that are adorned with branched spines. They carry their cast skins and fecal material on their back - attached to spines arising from the posterior end of their body, a structure called an "anal fork." The anal fork is used to hold the debris over the back of the body, forming a fecal shield that deters predation.

Habitat: Rural backyard

comments (5)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

That's a really cool find! Do you know why they sometimes look dark and sometimes golden? Posted 6 years ago
1. Christine Young
  
  Lion
  
  I do and it’s actually really interesting and complicated. I don’t remember all the details, but basically, the beetle has layers/tiers in its exoskeleton. Those layers can have liquid in them. The layers have different wavelengths and reflect light differently. When there is liquid in the layers, the beetle looks gold. But, the beetle has the ability to dry up the liquid (from stress, anti-predation, etc.). When the liquid dries up, then we see the darker pigment underneath the exoskeleton. Cool, isn’t it?! Posted 6 years ago
2. 1. Ferdy Christant
    
    Lion
    
    Wow yes very cool, did not see that answer coming :) Posted 6 years ago

Patomarazul

Lion

Wow! Another example of good mimicry to deter predators :-) Posted 6 years ago
1. Christine Young
  
  Lion
  
  Definitely! Posted 6 years ago

The Golden Tortoise Beetle

The golden tortoise beetle is a species of beetle in the leaf beetle family, Chrysomelidae. It is native to the Americas. This beetle is associated with plants in the family Convolvulaceae, including sweet potato, morning glories, and bindweeds. Adults and larvae feed on foliage.

Info 14 0

Similar species: Beetles

Species identified by Christine Young