Golden Tortoise Beetle

Gardens, meadows, and agricultural fields where Morning Glory family plants (Convolvulaceae) grow.

Herbivorous; both adults and larvae feed on the foliage of morning glories, sweet potatoes, and bindweed.

Notable for their ability to change color from brilliant metallic gold to reddish-brown when disturbed or during mating by manipulating moisture levels under their cuticle. They undergo complete metamorphosis from egg to larva to pupa to adult.

They are generally harmless to humans. While they can be minor agricultural pests on sweet potato crops, they are more often viewed as beautiful and beneficial for controlling invasive weeds like bindweed.