Golden Tortoise Beetle

Charidotella sexpunctata is a leaf beetle in Chrysomelidae, within the tortoise-beetle subfamily Cassidinae. [1][2]

The adult is nearly circular and flattened, with the pronotum extending over the head and translucent margins around the wing covers. Living individuals may appear metallic gold or orange and can change to red or brown when disturbed. [1][2]

The species is distributed across the Americas and occurs on its Convolvulaceae host plants, including in Missouri. [2][1]

Females place eggs on the undersides of host leaves and provide no subsequent parental care. [2]

Adults and larvae eat the leaves of morning-glory relatives, including bindweed and sweet potato. [1][2]

Larvae often feed together in groups on host foliage. [2]

A fork at the larva’s rear supports accumulated faeces and shed skins. The larva holds this material above its body as a defensive shield. [2]

The epithet sexpunctata means six-spotted. Spots can become more conspicuous when the adult loses its golden sheen. [2]

Drying changes the adult’s visible appearance: a preserved beetle may be reddish or brown rather than brilliant metallic gold. [2]

Keep the enclosure closed and display it in indirect light, away from heat and damp conditions. Handle the frame by its edges and clean only its exterior according to the maker’s instructions.