Gratiana pallidula
(Boheman, 1854)
Eggplant Tortoise Beetle
Gratiana pallidula, commonly known as the eggplant tortoise beetle, is a tortoise beetle in the Chrysomelidae. exhibit a distinctive clamping defense , pressing their bodies flat against leaves when threatened. The has been documented feeding on Solanum species, particularly silverleaf nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium). It occurs across Central America and North America.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Gratiana pallidula: /ɡrəˈtɪ.i.æ.nə pælˈɪd.jə.lə/
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Identification
Distinguished from other tortoise beetles by the combination of light green pronotum and golden brown with transparent margins in live specimens; the parallel-sided elytral margins for most of their length and the longitudinal rows of small pits on the elytral disc are additional diagnostic features.
Images
Habitat
Associated with herbaceous vegetation, particularly in areas where plants in the Solanum occur.
Distribution
Central America and North America.
Diet
feed on Solanum , including Solanum elaeagnifolium (silverleaf nightshade).
Host Associations
- Solanum elaeagnifolium - food plantsilverleaf nightshade
Behavior
'clamp' down against leaves as a defense against , pressing their bodies flat against the substrate.
Similar Taxa
- Other tortoise beetles (Cassidinae)Share the general tortoise beetle body form and defensive clamping , but differ in coloration and specific elytral sculpturing.
More Details
Taxonomic authority
The was described by Boheman in 1854.