Tortoise Beetle

Natural Habitat

Found on the underside of leaves of host plants, often in gardens, agricultural fields, and wild vegetation.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous. They feed on the foliage of plants, commonly targeting members of the Convolvulaceae family (like morning glory and sweet potato) and Solanaceae family.

Behavior Patterns

They exhibit a unique appearance with a transparent or translucent outer shell (elytra). Larvae are known to carry an 'anal shield' composed of their own fecal matter and cast skins as a defense mechanism against predators. Adults can change color slightly when disturbed or during mating.

Risks & Benefits

They are generally minor garden pests that cause aesthetic damage to leaves (small holes). They do not bite humans or pose health risks. Ecologically, they serve as food for birds and predatory insects.

Identified on: 1/2/2026