Tortoise Beetle (Egg mass/larva or case-bearing form)
Scientific Name: Cassidinae (Subfamily)
Order & Family: Order: Coleoptera; Family: Chrysomelidae
Size: 5mm to 12mm in length depending on the species and stage of development.
Natural Habitat
Typically found on the undersides of host plant leaves in gardens, meadows, and forests where food sources like morning glories or sweet potatoes are present.
Diet & Feeding
Herbivorous; they feed on the leaves of host plants, often leaving characteristic circular holes or skeletonized foliage.
Behavior Patterns
Many larvae exhibit an 'anal shield' behavior where they carry their own cast skins and fecal matter over their backs as a physical and chemical deterrent against predators. The adults are known for their hemispherical or 'tortoise-shell' shape.
Risks & Benefits
They are generally harmless to humans but can be considered garden pests if populations are high enough to cause significant defoliation of ornamental plants or crops like sweet potatoes and bindweed.
Identified on: 1/11/2026