Charidotella emarginata

Members of Charidotella can be distinguished from other tortoise beetle genera by features of the elytral margin and body shape. Specific characters separating C. emarginata from congeners require examination of detailed morphological features not available in general sources. The species epithet 'emarginata' suggests a notched or emarginate margin, which may be a distinguishing feature.

Tortoise beetles in the genus Charidotella are characterized by their highly convex, shield-shaped body and expanded elytral margins that form a continuous perimeter around the body. The elytra are typically broad and flattened at the margins, creating a tortoise shell-like appearance. Specific coloration and pattern details for C. emarginata are not well documented in available sources.

Central America and North America. GBIF records indicate presence in Middle America and North America.

• Charidotella sexpunctataAnother common North American tortoise beetle in the same genus, sharing the characteristic shield-shaped body and expanded elytral margins.
• Other Cassidinae generaMultiple genera of tortoise beetles share the highly convex body form and expanded elytral margins that define the subfamily.

• tortoise beetle
• Cassidinae
• Chrysomelidae
• leaf beetle
• Central America
• North America

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