Thistle Tortoise Beetle
Cassida rubiginosa
This record describes Cassida rubiginosa (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
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Terms from the source record, grouped for readability. Broad terms such as size or location are not measurements or a confirmed range.
Wikipedia reference for Cassida rubiginosa: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thistle_tortoise_beetle.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cassidinae
- Tribe
- Cassidini
- Genus
- Cassida
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Rough grassland and similar habitats that contain Creeping Thistle.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
This species has the most interesting larvae and pupae. The larvae have twin tail-spikes and these are sometimes used to carry dead skins and droppings in a kind of parasol. The spikes are retained by the pupa and these are flicked forward if it is disturbed.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly common and widespread in England and Wales, fewer records from Scotland.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cassida rubiginosa. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Thistle Tortoise Beetle (6)
Frequently Asked Questions About Thistle Tortoise Beetle
How big is Thistle Tortoise Beetle?
6mm to 8mm (0.23" to 0.31")
Where is Thistle Tortoise Beetle found?
Habitat: Rough grassland and similar habitats that contain Creeping Thistle.
What is the life cycle of a Thistle Tortoise Beetle?
This species has the most interesting larvae and pupae. The larvae have twin tail-spikes and these are sometimes used to carry dead skins and droppings in a kind of parasol. The spikes are retained by the pupa and these are flicked forward if it is disturbed.