Golden Tortoise Beetle Larva - Charidotella sexpunctata

This larva was so tiny!! Must have been an early instar.

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: Garden