Charidotella sexpunctata
(Fabricius, 1781)
Golden Tortoise Beetle, Goldbug
Species Guides
2- Charidotella sexpunctata bicolor(Golden Tortoise Beetle)
- Charidotella sexpunctata sexpunctata
Charidotella sexpunctata is a small leaf beetle native to the Americas with a broad distribution from North America through South America to Argentina. are notable for their ability to change color from brilliant metallic gold to reddish-brown with black spots, though the physiological mechanism remains unstudied in this . The species includes two : sexpunctata and bicolor. Both adults and larvae feed on foliage of plants in the morning glory .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Charidotella sexpunctata: /kæɹɪdoʊˈtɛlə sɛksˌpʌŋkˈteɪtə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
measure 5–7 mm in length. Elytral margins are expanded and nearly transparent, giving a tortoise-like profile. Coloration is highly variable: may appear brilliant mirror-like gold, or reddish-brown with black spots. The metallic gold coloration can change to reddish-brown upon disturbance or during mating. Larvae are spiny, yellowish or reddish-brown, and carry a distinctive fecal shield formed from accumulated shed skins and positioned over the body.
Images
Habitat
Associated with plants in Convolvulaceae, including bindweeds, morning glory, and sweet potato.
Distribution
Native to the Americas with broad distribution: North America, Middle America, Caribbean, and South America. Documented in Brazil across multiple states including Amazonas, Bahia, Goiás, Maranhão, Minas Gerais, Mato Grosso, Pará, Pernambuco, Paraná, Rio de Janeiro, Rondônia, Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, and São Paulo. Range extends to Argentina.
Diet
Foliage of plants in Convolvulaceae, specifically bindweeds (Ipomoea and related ), morning glory, and sweet potato. Both and larvae feed on foliage.
Life Cycle
are laid in clusters on stems and undersides of leaves. Larvae emerge in 5–10 days, feed for two to three weeks while carrying a fecal shield for protection. occurs in a spiny brown -covered pupal stage lasting one to two weeks before .
Behavior
exhibit color change from metallic gold to reddish-brown during disturbance, mating, and development. Larvae actively position anal fork structure to hold fecal shield over body as defense.
Ecological Role
Herbivore on Convolvulaceae. Serves as for Tetrastichus cassidus and tachinid fly Eucelatoriopsis dimmocki. Larvae preyed upon by ladybird beetles, damsel bugs, shield bugs, and assassin bugs; fecal shield provides partial protection against small such as ants but not larger predators such as hemipterans.
Human Relevance
Minor agricultural pest on sweet potato. Subject of scientific interest due to striking color change capabilities. Formerly known as Metriona bicolor, which may cause confusion in older literature.
Similar Taxa
- Charidotella egregiaAlso called 'golden ' with similar metallic gold coloration and color-change capability through elytral hydration/dehydration; distinguished by geographic range (Panama) and specific elytral patterns