
Golden Tortoise Beetle Larva - 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 garden

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.