Charidotella

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Superfamily: Chrysomeloidea
Family: Chrysomelidae
Subfamily: Cassidinae
Tribe: Cassidini
Genus: Charidotella

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Charidotella: /ˌkæɹɪdoʊˈtɛlə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Charidotella succinea by José Belem Hernández Díaz. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Field book of insects (6243853689) by Lutz, Frank Eugene. Used under a Public domain license.

Área de Proteção Ambiental Quilombos do Médio Ribeira Thomas-Fuhrmann (2022-21) by Thomas Fuhrmann. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Golden Tortoise Beetle (Charidotella sexpunctata) (14414446562) by Andrew C. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Charidotella sexpunctata pupa by Beatriz Moisset. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Charidotella sexpunctata 293421300 by Will Linnard. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Summary

Charidotella sexpunctata, commonly known as the golden tortoise beetle, is a leaf beetle abundant in the Americas, recognized for its striking color variability and unique larval protective behavior using a fecal shield.

Physical Characteristics

Adult C. sexpunctata measure 5–7 mm in length. They are variable in color from reddish-brown with black spots to brilliant, mirror-like gold. Elytral margins are expanded and nearly transparent. Color changes through development, during mating, and when disturbed.

Identification Tips

Look for the distinctive color variability; they can appear either reddish-brown or shiny gold, especially when disturbed.

Habitat

Widespread across the Neotropical region, often found on host plants in the family Convolvulaceae.

Distribution

Native to the Americas and broadly distributed, more diverse in the south of the continent.

Diet

Both adults and larvae feed on the foliage of plants in the family Convolvulaceae, including bindweeds, morning glory, and sweet potato.

Life Cycle

Female Charidotella sexpunctata lay clusters of eggs on stems and on the undersides of host leaves. Larvae emerge in 5 to 10 days and use shed skins and frass to build a fecal shield for protection. Larvae mature in 2–3 weeks, then pupate for 1–2 weeks before emerging as adults.

Reproduction

Mating pair observed; females lay clusters of eggs on host plants.

Predators

Predators include ladybird beetles, damsel bugs, shield bugs, assassin bugs; parasitoids include the eulophid wasp Tetrastichus cassidus and the tachinid fly Eucelatoriopsis dimmocki.

Ecosystem Role

Plays a role in herbivory on Convolvulaceae plants; a food source for various predators and parasitoids.