Helocassis clavata
(Fabricius, 1798)
Clavate Tortoise Beetle
Species Guides
2Helocassis clavata, commonly known as the Tortoise Beetle, is a of leaf beetle in the Chrysomelidae. It belongs to the tortoise beetle Cassidinae, characterized by a domed, turtle-like formed from modified and pronotum. The species is found in North and Middle America. Like other tortoise beetles, it exhibits distinctive defensive and parental .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Helocassis clavata: /ˌhɛloʊˈkæsɪs kləˈvɑːtə/
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Images
Distribution
North America; Middle America
Similar Taxa
- Plagiometriona clavataFormerly classified under this name; the tortoise beetle was reclassified to Helocassis clavata
- Other Cassidinae tortoise beetlesShare the distinctive domed structure, but differ in specific elytral patterns and coloration
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- NCBI Taxonomy
- Catalogue of Life
- From Turtle Shell to Poop Umbrella, This Is One Unusual Group of Beetles
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