Tortoise-beetle
Guides
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 nigrita
black tortoise beetle
Anisostena nigrita, commonly known as the black tortoise beetle, is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It has been recorded across a broad geographic range in North America, from Canada to the southern United States. The species has been observed feeding on grasses in the genus Andropogon and Schizachyrium scoparium. It belongs to the tortoise beetle subfamily Cassidinae, characterized by a body form adapted for clinging to leaf surfaces.
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 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).
Cassida azurea
Azure tortoise beetle
Cassida azurea is a tortoise beetle in the leaf beetle family Chrysomelidae, native to Europe and Northern Asia. It was intentionally introduced to North America in 1989 as a biological control agent targeting the invasive weed Silene vulgaris (bladder campion). Host specificity testing demonstrated extremely narrow feeding preferences, with reproduction occurring almost exclusively on S. vulgaris. Field releases in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta from 1989–1993 resulted in establishment at 8 of 18 sites, though populations have remained insufficient to achieve effective weed suppression.
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 piperata
Small Tortoise Beetle, tortoise beetle
Cassida piperata is a tortoise beetle in the leaf beetle family Chrysomelidae. Native to eastern Asia, it has been introduced to North America and Europe, with established populations in northern Italy since 2021. It serves as a host for the parasitoid wasp Holcotetrastichus rhosaces in Japan.
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.
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 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 cassidea
Argus tortoise beetle, milkweed tortoise beetle
Chelymorpha cassidea is a large tortoise beetle native to North America and the Caribbean, measuring 9–12 mm in length. Adults display variable coloration from yellow to bright red with black spots, and possess a distinctive ability to extend their red head beyond the pronotum, creating an appearance likened to the mythological figure Argus. Both larvae and adults feed on foliage of Convolvulaceae plants, including morning glory and sweet potato, and are capable of defoliating entire plants. The species overwinters as pupae in soil and emerges in mid-summer.
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 texana
Anacua Tortoise Beetle
Coptocycla texana, the anacua tortoise beetle, is a species of tortoise beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is a monophagous specialist that feeds exclusively on the leaves of the anacua tree (Ehretia anacua). The species is found in Central America and North America.
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.
Hemisphaerota cyanea
palmetto tortoise beetle, Florida tortoise beetle, iridescent blue chrysomelid beetle
Hemisphaerota cyanea is a small, metallic blue tortoise beetle in the leaf beetle family Chrysomelidae. Adults measure 4.6–5.6 mm and possess distinctive hemispherical bodies with dark blue or purple elytra and pronotum. The species is endemic to the southeastern United States where it feeds exclusively on palms, particularly saw palmetto. Both adults and larvae exhibit remarkable defensive adaptations: adults use specialized adhesive tarsi with approximately 10,000 bristles per foot to clamp onto leaves, while larvae construct elaborate fecal thatches that conceal and protect them from predators.
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.
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.
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.
Octotoma marginicollis
Octotoma marginicollis is a leaf beetle (family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cassidinae) occurring in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Adults have been recorded feeding on Perezia thurberi and collected from a variety of woody and herbaceous plants including Fraxinus, Baccharis, Brickellia, Viguiera, and Monarda species. The species was described by Horn in 1883.
Opacinota
Opacinota is a genus of tortoise beetles (family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cassidinae) described by E. Riley in 1986. It is monotypic, containing only the single species O. bisignata. Tortoise beetles are known for their domed, shield-like body shape that extends from the pronotum to cover the elytra. The genus belongs to the tribe Cassidini within the leaf beetle family.
Parorectis callosa
Parorectis callosa is a species of tortoise beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cassidinae. First described by Boheman in 1854, this beetle is known from North America. Tortoise beetles in this genus are characterized by their distinctive domed, tortoise-like body shape and association with host plants.
Pentispa sallaei
Pentispa sallaei is a tortoise beetle in the subfamily Cassidinae, tribe Chalepini. The species was originally described from Mexico and has been established in Florida, USA. A host plant was reported for the first time in 2021, though the specific plant identity was not detailed in available sources. The species is characterized by distinctive elytral punctation and thoracic armature.
Physonota
tortoise beetles, hispines
Physonota is a genus of tortoise beetles and hispines in the family Chrysomelidae, containing more than 40 described species. Species in this genus are distributed across North America, with records from the United States and Canada. The larvae possess distinctive defensive structures: shields made of feces and exuviae held over the body using urogomphi. Host plant associations have been documented for some species, though many remain poorly studied.
Physonota alutacea
wild olive tortoise beetle
Physonota alutacea, commonly known as the wild olive tortoise beetle, is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It belongs to the tortoise beetle subfamily Cassidinae, characterized by the distinctive domed body shape typical of this group. The species has been documented across a broad geographic range spanning North, Central, and South America. It is associated with wild olive (Cordia boissieri) and related host plants.
Physonota calochroma
Physonota calochroma is a tortoise beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae, originally described by Blake in 1965. The species is currently treated as a synonym of Eurypepla calochroma. As a member of the tortoise beetle subfamily Cassidinae, it possesses the characteristic domed carapace formed by modified elytra and pronotum. Larvae of the genus Physonota construct distinctive fecal umbrellas using exuviae and frass, held aloft by urogomphi structures.
Physonota calochroma floridensis
Physonota calochroma floridensis is a synonymized subspecies of tortoise beetle originally described from Florida. The name was proposed by Blake in 1965 but is currently treated as a synonym of Eurypepla jamaicensis (formerly Physonota calochroma). Tortoise beetles in this group are characterized by their domed, turtle-like carapace formed from modified elytra and pronotum. The species to which this subspecies belongs exhibits rapid color-changing abilities, shifting from silvery-green to brownish tones within seconds in response to environmental stimuli.
Physonota disjuncta
Physonota disjuncta is a tortoise beetle in the subfamily Cassidinae, first recorded in the United States in 2024. This species belongs to the tribe Ischyrosonychini and represents a significant range extension from its previously known distribution in Middle America. The first U.S. record was accompanied by documentation of a host plant association, though specific details remain limited in available sources.
Physonota unipunctata
horsemint tortoise beetle, beebalm tortoise beetle, bergamot tortoise beetle, one-spotted tortoise beetle
Physonota unipunctata is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the horsemint or beebalm tortoise beetle. The species is native to North America and has been documented from Canada to the United States. Historical taxonomic work from the late 19th century clarified species boundaries among related forms described by early American entomologists. The beetle shows seasonal phenology tied to host plant emergence, with adults appearing in June in the Montreal region.
Stenispa metallica
Black Smooth Hispine
Stenispa metallica is a species of hispine beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. Adults are characterized by a shining black body with an obscure metallic tinge. The species has been recorded from a broad range of states in the eastern and central United States, as well as from Mexico. Larval development is associated with sedges and grasses, with Scirpus atrovirens documented as a confirmed host plant.
Stenopodius lateralis
Lateral Tortoise Beetle
Stenopodius lateralis is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, originally described as Brachycoryna lateralis by Schaeffer in 1933. It occurs across western North America from Canada through the United States to Mexico. Adults have been documented on Sphaeralcea species (globemallows), though whether these represent true host plants remains unclear.
Strongylocassis
Strongylocassis is a monotypic genus of tortoise beetles established by Hincks in 1950. The genus contains a single species, Strongylocassis atripes. It belongs to the subfamily Cassidinae within the leaf beetle family Chrysomelidae. The genus is rarely encountered, with few documented observations.