Cassidinae
Guides
Agroiconota
Agroiconota is a genus of tortoise beetles established by Spaeth in 1913, containing more than 20 described species. Members of this genus belong to the leaf beetle family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cassidinae, and are characterized by their distinctive domed body shape typical of tortoise beetles. The genus is part of the tribe Cassidini and is distributed in the Neotropical region.
Agroiconota bivittata
Two-banded Tortoise Beetle
A tortoise beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, distinguished by its flattened, shield-like body form typical of the subfamily Cassidinae. The species occurs in North America and Central America. As a member of the tortoise beetle group, it likely feeds on foliage, though specific host plants for this species are not well documented in available sources.
Anisostena gracilis
Anisostena gracilis is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cassidinae (tortoise beetles and allies). Adults measure approximately 3–3.7 mm in length and are distinguished by orange-red or yellowish coloration with a black sutural stripe. The species has been documented feeding on Panicum maximum (guinea grass). It occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Anisostena kansana
Anisostena kansana is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, specifically within the tortoise beetle subfamily Cassidinae. Adults measure 4.1–5.3 mm and display distinctive metallic coloration: the head and elytra are greenish-blue, while the pronotum is reddish-orange with a greenish-blue anterior area. The species is known from a limited geographic range in the central United States, with records from Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, and Oklahoma. It has been documented feeding on Tripsacum dactyloides (eastern gamagrass).
Anisostena texana
A small hispine leaf beetle in the subfamily Cassidinae, measuring 4.1-4.6 mm. Adults display distinctive metallic blue elytra and head contrasting with a reddish-orange pronotum. The species occurs in the south-central United States and Mexico, where adults have been collected from prairie vegetation.
Baliosus
Baliosus is a genus of leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, containing at least 40 described species. Members are classified within the subfamily Cassidinae, which includes both tortoise beetles and hispines. The genus was established by Weise in 1905. Species in this genus are primarily found in North America.
Baliosus californicus
Baliosus californicus is a leaf-mining tortoise beetle (Cassidinae) in the family Chrysomelidae. The species is found in western North America and Mexico, where adults feed on various Ceanothus species. It was described by Horn in 1883 and is characterized by distinctive elytral punctation and costate interspaces.
Baliosus ferrugineus
Baliosus ferrugineus is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cassidinae. It was described by Staines in 2006. The species is known from North America, with records from Arizona. Like other members of the genus Baliosus, it belongs to the tribe Chalepini, a group of tortoise beetles characterized by their flattened, often expanded bodies and association with host plants.
Brachycoryna
Brachycoryna is a genus of leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cassidinae. It comprises seven described species distributed primarily in North America. Members of this genus are classified among the hispines, a group characterized by spiny or sculptured bodies. The genus was established by Guérin-Méneville in 1844.
Brachycoryna dolorosa
Brachycoryna dolorosa is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cassidinae. Adults measure 2.1–3.1 mm in length. The species is known from western North America, with records from California, Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Washington. Adults have been collected from several plant species including Media elegans, Media sativa, Holocarpha heermannii, Hemizona species, and Ceanothus cuneatus, though the actual foodplant remains unknown.
Brachycoryna hardyi
Brachycoryna hardyi is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cassidinae. It measures 2.5–3.7 mm as an adult and exhibits variable coloration with reddish-yellow and black patterning. The species has been recorded feeding on three Ceanothus species and occurs across western North America from Canada to Mexico.
Brachycoryna montana
Montana Tortoise Beetle
Brachycoryna montana is a small tortoise beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, measuring 2.5-3.4 mm in length. It is characterized by a uniformly black head, pronotum, and elytra. The species is distributed across western and central North America, from the Canadian prairies to the southwestern United States. Its specific food plant remains unknown, though adults have been collected on Artemisia species including big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata).
Brachycoryna pumila
Brachycoryna pumila is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Guérin-Méneville in 1844. Adults measure 2.5–3.5 mm in length and exhibit distinctive coloration: black head, brownish-yellow pronotum, and yellow elytra with variable brown markings. The species has been recorded feeding on several plants in the family Malvaceae. Its distribution spans from the southern United States through Mexico and Central America to northern South America, including Caribbean islands.
Cassida flaveola
pale tortoise beetle
Cassida flaveola, known as the pale tortoise beetle, is a brownish leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It was historically considered an introduced Palearctic species in North America, but recent evidence indicates it is at least in part native with a Holarctic distribution. The species has been newly recorded in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island in the Maritime Provinces of Canada.
Cassida relicta
Pink Plains Cassidine
Cassida relicta is a species of tortoise beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cassidinae. It is found in North America and is commonly known as the Pink Plains Cassidine. Like other tortoise beetles, it possesses a flattened, shield-like body form with the head capable of being drawn beneath the pronotum for protection. The species was described by Spaeth in 1927.
Cassida rubiginosa
Thistle Tortoise Beetle
Cassida rubiginosa, commonly known as the thistle tortoise beetle, is a leaf beetle in the subfamily Cassidinae native to Europe and Asia that has been introduced to North America, New Zealand, and other regions as a biological control agent for invasive thistles. The beetle derives its common name from the tortoise-like appearance of adults, whose elytra and pronotum form a shield-like covering over the body. Both adults and larvae feed on thistle foliage, with larvae possessing a distinctive defensive structure—a forked caudal appendage used to carry accumulated feces and exuviae as a mobile 'fecal shield' that deters predators. The species has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing thistle biomass and seed production, though its host range extends beyond the primary target to other Cardueae species.
Cassidini
tortoise beetles
Cassidini is a large tribe of tortoise beetles within the leaf beetle subfamily Cassidinae, comprising approximately 40 genera and 600 species worldwide. Members are commonly known as "tortoise beetles" due to their domed, shield-like appearance. A 2017 phylogenetic analysis based on morphological characters found Cassidini to be nonmonophyletic with respect to Aspidimorphini, leading to the formal synonymization of the latter with Cassidini; the same study suggested Ischyrosonychini should also be included. Larvae construct distinctive defensive shields from exuviae and faeces using a telescopic anus, a trait that may represent a synapomorphy for the crown-clade Cassidinae.
Chalepini
Chalepini is a tribe of leaf beetles within the subfamily Cassidinae of Chrysomelidae. It comprises at least 50 genera and approximately 830 described species. Members of this tribe are primarily distributed in the Neotropical region, with some species established in North America. The tribe includes economically significant species that feed on various host plants.
Chalepus bicolor
Chalepus bicolor is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cassidinae. It is widely distributed across eastern North America, ranging from Ontario, Canada southward throughout the eastern and central United States. Adults are small beetles, measuring 6.3–7.6 mm in length, with distinctive coloration featuring a red pronotum and dark elytra. The species has been documented feeding on several grass species in the genus Dichanthelium and Panicum.
Charidotella
tortoise beetles
Charidotella is a genus of tortoise beetles (Chrysomelidae) containing at least 100 described species. Members of this genus are known for their distinctive domed, tortoise-like body shape and often striking metallic coloration. The genus includes Charidotella bicolor, commonly called the golden tortoise beetle, which exhibits remarkable color-changing abilities. Species in this genus are primarily associated with plants in the family Convolvulaceae.
Charidotella bifossulata
Charidotella bifossulata is a species of tortoise beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, characterized by the distinctive shield-like body form typical of this group. The species was described by Boheman in 1855. It is distributed across Central America and North America. Like other members of Charidotella, it likely feeds on plant foliage, though specific host associations remain poorly documented.
Charidotella emarginata
Charidotella emarginata is a species of tortoise beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in Central America and North America. As a member of the tortoise beetle subfamily Cassidinae, it possesses the characteristic shield-like body form and expanded elytral margins that cover the legs and much of the body when at rest.
Charidotella succinea
tortoise beetle
Charidotella succinea is a tortoise beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species has been documented in Central America and North America based on occurrence records. As a member of the Cassidinae subfamily, it possesses the expanded elytra and pronotum characteristic of this group.
Chelymorpha
Argus tortoise beetles, tortoise beetles
Chelymorpha is a genus of tortoise beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cassidinae, containing more than 70 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. These beetles are characterized by their domed, tortoise-like body form with the elytra and prothorax forming a protective shield that can be drawn down to cover the head and appendages when disturbed. The genus exhibits extensive intraspecific color polymorphism, with some species showing remarkable variation in elytral coloration and maculation patterns. Chelymorpha species are predominantly associated with plants in the family Convolvulaceae, particularly morning glories (Ipomoea) and bindweeds (Convolvulus), though some species utilize other host plants. The genus has been extensively studied for its Wolbachia endosymbiont infections, color polymorphism maintenance, and larval defensive behaviors including cycloalexy.
Chelymorpha phytophagica
Chelymorpha phytophagica is a species of tortoise beetle in the leaf beetle family Chrysomelidae. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. Two subspecies are recognized: C. p. luteata and C. p. phytophagica. Like other members of the genus Chelymorpha, this species is associated with plants in the family Convolvulaceae, including morning glories and related vines.
Coptocycla
Coptocycla is a genus of tortoise beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cassidinae. The genus contains approximately 58 described species. Members of this genus are leaf beetles characterized by their distinctive body form, with the elytra and pronotum expanded to cover the body margins. These beetles are primarily found in the Americas.
Deloyala
mottled tortoise beetle (D. guttata)
Deloyala is a genus of tortoise beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, containing approximately 10 described species. The genus is characterized by the distinctive domed, tortoise-like body form typical of the subfamily Cassidinae. The best-known species is Deloyala guttata, commonly called the mottled tortoise beetle, which has been studied extensively for its host plant relationships and behavioral plasticity. Species in this genus are associated with plants in the family Convolvulaceae, particularly morning glories (Ipomoea) and bindweeds.
Deloyala barberi
Deloyala barberi is a species of tortoise beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cassidinae. It is native to North America. Like other members of the genus Deloyala, it is associated with plants in the family Convolvulaceae, particularly morning glories (Ipomoea species). The species was described by Spaeth in 1936.
Deloyala lecontii
Deloyala lecontii is a North American tortoise beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cassidinae. The species is associated with plants in the genus Convolvulus (morning glories). It exhibits golden iridescent coloration that distinguishes it from related taxa. The species is smaller than members of the genus Chelymorpha but shares similar host plant associations.
Erepsocassis
Erepsocassis is a genus of tortoise beetles established by Spaeth in 1936. It belongs to the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cassidinae, and tribe Cassidini. The genus contains a single described species, E. rubella. Members of this group are characterized by their domed, tortoise-like body form typical of the subfamily Cassidinae.
Erepsocassis rubella
Erepsocassis rubella is a species of tortoise beetle (family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cassidinae) described by Boheman in 1862. As a member of the Cassidini tribe, it possesses the characteristic domed body shape that provides protection by allowing the beetle to clamp tightly against leaf surfaces. The species is poorly documented in scientific literature, with minimal published information on its biology and ecology. It belongs to a genus containing few described species, most of which are associated with Neotropical and Nearctic regions.
Floridocassis
Floridocassis is a genus of tortoise beetles (family Chrysomelidae) containing a single described species, F. repudiata. The genus was established by Spaeth in 1952. Tortoise beetles in this subfamily (Cassidinae) are characterized by a shield-like body form and the ability to clamp their elytra tightly against the substrate. The genus name suggests a Florida association, though specific distribution details for the genus remain limited in published sources.
Gratiana
Gratiana is a genus of tortoise beetles (family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cassidinae) comprising approximately seven described species. Members of this genus are characterized by the flattened, shield-like body form typical of tortoise beetles, with adults capable of clamping tightly against leaf surfaces as a defensive behavior. The genus is best known for Gratiana boliviana, which has been employed as a classical biological control agent against the invasive weed tropical soda apple (Solanum viarum) in the southeastern United States.
Gratiana boliviana
Tropical Soda Apple Leaf Beetle, TSA tortoise beetle
Gratiana boliviana is a tortoise beetle (Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae) native to South America that was introduced to Florida in 2003 as the first biological control agent against tropical soda apple (Solanum viarum), a prickly invasive shrub. The beetle is highly host-specific and has established successfully in Florida, reducing weed density and fruit production through defoliation. Over 250,000 beetles were released across Florida from 2003 to 2011. The beetle cannot complete development on native North American Solanum species or crop plants like eggplant, making it a relatively safe biocontrol choice. Cold sensitivity limits its northward establishment potential.
Helocassis
Helocassis is a genus of tortoise beetles (Cassidinae) in the leaf beetle family Chrysomelidae. The genus contains at least seven described species distributed across Central and North America. These beetles are characterized by their distinctive shield-like body form typical of the subfamily.
Helocassis clavata
Clavate Tortoise Beetle
Helocassis clavata, commonly known as the Clavate Tortoise Beetle, is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It belongs to the tortoise beetle subfamily Cassidinae, characterized by a domed, turtle-like carapace formed from modified elytra and pronotum. The species is found in North and Middle America. Like other tortoise beetles, it exhibits distinctive defensive and parental behaviors.
Hemisphaerota
Hemisphaerota is a genus of tortoise beetles in the subfamily Cassidinae, containing approximately 10 described species distributed across the circum-Caribbean region. The genus is characterized by hemispherical body shape and specialized tarsal structures for adhesion to host plant surfaces. The best-studied species, H. cyanea (palmetto tortoise beetle), exhibits remarkable defensive adaptations including adhesive tarsal pads that secrete oil when threatened, and larvae that construct protective fecal thatches.
Hilarocassis
Hilarocassis is a genus of tortoise beetles and hispines in the leaf beetle family Chrysomelidae. It contains approximately 10 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. The genus was established by Spaeth in 1913 and belongs to the subfamily Cassidinae, tribe Mesomphaliini. Species in this genus exhibit the characteristic tortoise beetle body form with a broad, flattened shape and expanded elytral margins.
Imatidiini
Imatidiini is a tribe of leaf beetles within the subfamily Cassidinae, established by Frederick William Hope in 1840. Members of this tribe are found primarily in the Americas and Asia. The tribe includes genera such as Calliaspis, whose immature stages were described for the first time in 2017. Some species within the tribe are associated with bromeliads and exhibit leaf-scraping feeding behavior.
Ischyrosonychini
Ischyrosonychini is a tribe of tortoise beetles and hispines within the leaf beetle family Chrysomelidae, established by Chapuis in 1875. The tribe comprises approximately 7 genera and 60-70 described species, including the genera Asteriza, Cistudinella, Enagria, Eurypedus, Eurypepla, Physonota, and Platycycla. Juvenile stages have been described for members of this tribe. Members are distributed in the Americas, with at least one species (Physonota disjuncta) recently documented in the United States.
Jonthonota mexicana
Jonthonota mexicana is a species of tortoise beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Champion in 1894. It belongs to the subfamily Cassidinae, characterized by the distinctive flattened, shield-like body form typical of tortoise beetles. The species is known to occur in both Central America and North America. As a member of the genus Jonthonota, it shares affinities with other morning glory-associated tortoise beetles.
Jonthonota nigripes
blacklegged tortoise beetle
Jonthonota nigripes, the blacklegged tortoise beetle, is a tortoise beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It occurs in North and Central America. The species is associated with morning glories and related plants in the family Convolvulaceae.
Mesomphaliini
tortoise beetles
Mesomphaliini is a tribe of tortoise beetles (Cassidinae) erected by Hope in 1840, though some authorities recognize the alternative name Stolaini (Hincks, 1952). The tribe is predominantly Neotropical, with most species occurring in the Americas. Some genera, including Chelymorpha, Stolas, and Cyrtonota, have representatives extending into Europe and Japan. Members exhibit distinctive larval behaviors including construction of exuvio-fecal shields and documented subsocial maternal care in at least some species.
Metrionella
Metrionella is a genus of tortoise beetles (Cassidinae) in the family Chrysomelidae, established by Spaeth in 1932. The genus comprises approximately 12 described species. As members of the tortoise beetle subfamily, these beetles are characterized by a distinctive shield-like body form with the elytra and pronotum expanded to cover the legs and antennae when at rest.
Microctenochira
Microctenochira is a genus of tortoise beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, containing at least 110 described species. Members of this genus exhibit the characteristic domed carapace of tortoise beetles, with some species possessing translucent elytra with opaque patterns. The genus occurs in the New World tropics, with documented observations from Costa Rica and other Central American regions. Larvae of at least some species construct protective structures from shed exoskeletons and fecal material.
Microrhopala excavata
Microrhopala excavata is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cassidinae (formerly Hispinae). Adults measure 4–5.6 mm (males) and 4.6–6.6 mm (females). The species exhibits metallic coloration, with adults appearing black, metallic green, blue, or purple. It is broadly distributed across North America, with two recognized subspecies showing partially overlapping ranges. The species has been recorded feeding on several Asteraceae host plants.
Microrhopala rileyi
Microrhopala rileyi is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cassidinae. Adults measure 4.1–5.5 mm (males) and 5.2–5.8 mm (females). The species exhibits sexual size dimorphism with females being larger. It is known from five U.S. states in the south-central region.
Microrhopala rubrolineata militaris
Microrhopala rubrolineata militaris is a subspecies of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cassidinae. The genus Microrhopala comprises small hispine leaf beetles characterized by clubbed antennae. Species in this genus are host-specific herbivores, with adults feeding on foliage and larvae mining within leaves. The specific epithet "rubrolineata" (red-lined) and subspecific name "militaris" suggest distinctive coloration, though detailed distinguishing features from nominate M. rubrolineata are not documented in available sources.
Microrhopala rubrolineata rubrolineata
A subspecies of hispine leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, Microrhopala rubrolineata rubrolineata is found in western North America. The species Microrhopala rubrolineata, along with the eastern M. vittata, belongs to a genus of leaf-feeding beetles that specialize on Asteraceae host plants. Adults and larvae both feed on their host plants, with larvae mining within leaves.
Microrhopala rubrolineata signaticollis
Microrhopala rubrolineata signaticollis is a subspecies of hispine leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by J.L. LeConte in 1859. The genus Microrhopala comprises small leaf beetles with clubbed antennae, with several species occurring in North America. Members of this genus are herbivorous specialists typically associated with particular host plants in the Asteraceae family. This subspecies is part of the broader M. rubrolineata species complex distributed across North and Middle America.