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Scientific Name
Charidotella sexpunctata
Family
Chrysomelidae (leaf beetles) in the order Coleoptera (beetles)
Description
The golden tortoise beetle, like other tortoise beetles, is nearly circular and rather flattened, and the pronotum shield completely covers the top of the head. This species is shiny metallic gold or orange when alive, and the edges of the elytral shields are transparent. Two spots may be present on the elytra (shell-like wing covers), making it look something like a lady beetle. When disturbed, this insect may change color.
The pudgy, grublike larvae attach their own dried-up fecal material to their backs as camouflage and defense.
Learn more about this and other leaf beetles (chrysomelids) on their group page.
Other Common Names
Sweet Potato Leaf Beetle
Size
Length: less than ¼ inch.
Food
Members of the morning glory family, including sweet potatoes and bindweed.
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Caption
The golden tortoise beetle (Charidotella sexpunctata) and other tortoise beetles are nearly circular and rather flattened, and the pronotum shield completely covers the top of the head. This species is shiny metallic gold or orange when alive, and the edges of the elytral shields are transparent.
Credit
Julianna Schroeder
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Similar Species
Similar Species
About Land Invertebrates in Missouri
Invertebrates are animals without backbones, including earthworms, slugs, snails, and arthropods. Arthropods—invertebrates with “jointed legs” — are a group of invertebrates that includes crayfish, shrimp, millipedes, centipedes, mites, spiders, and insects. There may be as many as 10 million species of insects alive on earth today, and they probably constitute more than 90 percent all animal species.