Eucalyptus Tortoise Beetle

Eucalyptus forests, woodlands, gardens, and urban areas with host eucalyptus trees native to Australia, introduced elsewhere

Herbivorous; adults and larvae feed extensively on the foliage of Eucalyptus species, particularly young leaves and shoots

Adults are dome-shaped leaf beetles that cling tightly to leaves or glass surfaces; females lay clusters of eggs on eucalyptus twigs, and larvae undergo several instars while defoliating host foliage

Can cause significant defoliation to eucalyptus crops, timber plantations, and ornamental trees; harmless to humans and serves as a food source for native birds and predatory insects