Tortoise Beetle larva

Found on the underside of host plant leaves, typically in gardens, meadows, or agricultural areas where their preferred food plants (like morning glories or nightshades) grow.

Herbivorous; they feed on the foliage of specific host plants, often creating small holes in the leaves.

Larvae are known for creating a 'fecal shield' by carrying their own excrement and shed skins on a posterior fork. They can move this shield to deter predators and often feed in groups or solitaryly depending on the species.

They are generally harmless to humans but can be minor garden pests if they occur in large numbers. In the ecosystem, they serve as food for various predatory insects and birds.