Helocassis

Spaeth, 1952

Species Guides

Helocassis clavata(Clavate Tortoise Beetle)

Helocassis is a of tortoise beetles (Cassidinae) in the leaf beetle Chrysomelidae. The genus contains at least seven described distributed across Central and North America. These beetles are characterized by their distinctive shield-like body form typical of the .

Helocassis clavata by (c) skitterbug, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by skitterbug. Used under a CC-BY license.

Plagiometriona clavata 1 by Jacy Lucier. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Clavate Tortoise Beetle - Plagiometriona clavata, Meadowood SRMA, Mason Neck, Virginia, June 16, 2021 (51841223442) by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Helocassis: /hɛl.oʊˈkæs.ɪs/

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

Images

Distribution

Central America and North America. Specific distribution records include the United States (including Vermont) and likely extending through Mexico into Central America.

Similar Taxa

CharidotellaBoth are of tortoise beetles in the tribe Cassidini with similar shield-shaped body forms; Helocassis can be distinguished by specific morphological features of the elytral margins and pronotum structure, though precise diagnostic characters require examination.
DeloyalaAnother Cassidini with overlapping geographic range in North America; Helocassis generally have more rounded body outlines compared to the often more angular Deloyala.