Charidotella
Weise, 1896
tortoise beetles
Species Guides
6- Charidotella bifossulata
- Charidotella emarginata
- Charidotella ormondensis
- Charidotella purpurata(Small Orange Tortoise Beetle)
- Charidotella sexpunctata(Golden Tortoise Beetle)
- Charidotella succinea(tortoise beetle)
Charidotella is a of tortoise beetles (Chrysomelidae) containing at least 100 described . Members of this genus are known for their distinctive domed, tortoise-like body shape and often striking metallic coloration. The genus includes Charidotella bicolor, commonly called the golden tortoise beetle, which exhibits remarkable color-changing abilities. Species in this genus are primarily associated with plants in the Convolvulaceae.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Charidotella: /ˌkæɹɪdoʊˈtɛlə/
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Distribution
-level distribution spans multiple regions; Charidotella bicolor occurs primarily in eastern North America. Additional -level distributions require individual verification.
Diet
Herbivorous; Charidotella bicolor feeds on plants in the Convolvulaceae (morning glories and bindweeds). Diet for other in the is not specified in available sources.
Host Associations
- Convolvulaceae - food plantDocumented for Charidotella bicolor; other associations unknown
Life Cycle
Charidotella bicolor progresses through , larval, pupal, and stages. Larvae carry fecal shields for protection. Complete details for the as a whole are not documented.
Behavior
Charidotella bicolor larvae carry accumulated and shed skins on forked caudal processes as a defensive shield against . of this can change color from golden to reddish-brown, possibly through moisture control of elytral transparency.
Ecological Role
Herbivores that can cause defoliation of plants; rarely abundant enough to function as significant pests. Natural enemies include .
Human Relevance
Occasional garden pest on morning glories and sweet potatoes; generally not economically significant. Charidotella bicolor is notable for its striking appearance and color-changing ability.
Similar Taxa
- Other Cassidinae generaSimilar tortoise-like body form; Charidotella distinguished by specific elytral structure and coloration patterns, though precise -level diagnostic features require examination
More Details
Taxonomic Note
Charidotella has been treated as a subgenus of Metriona in some classifications; current sources list it as a valid with Metriona as a synonym.
Species Richness
Over 100 described are recognized, indicating substantial diversity within the .