Helocassis clavata
(Fabricius, 1798)
Clavate Tortoise Beetle
Helocassis clavata, commonly known as the , is a of in the . It belongs to the tortoise beetle Cassidinae, characterized by a domed, turtle-like formed from modified and . The species is found in North and Middle America. Like other tortoise beetles, it exhibits distinctive defensive and parental behaviors.



Pronunciation
How to pronounce Helocassis clavata: /ˌhɛloʊˈkæsɪs kləˈvɑːtə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Distribution
North America; Middle America
Similar Taxa
- Plagiometriona clavataFormerly classified under this name; the 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
- Destination: Eastern North America to revisit Jorō spiders, Trichonephila clavata, spreading in their new home in the United States — Bug of the Week
- Jorō spiders enjoy their new home in the DMV: Jorō spider, Trichonephila clavata — Bug of the Week
- Terrifying big spiders soon in the DMV? Meet the Jorō Spider, Trichonephila clavata, and its cousin the Golden Silk Spider, Trichonephila clavipes — Bug of the Week
- Is the Jorō spider coming to your neighborhood? Trichonephila clavata — Bug of the Week
- Jorō Spiders: Pretty, Big, and Not Very Bitey