Argus Tortoise Beetle
Chelymorpha cassidea
This record describes Chelymorpha cassidea (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
dorsum glabrous above -- hairy in Ch. phytophagica , a swUS species: vs
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cassidinae
- Tribe
- Mesomphaliini
- Genus
- Chelymorpha
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Meadows, fields
Geographic Range
QC-FL to AB-CA; W. Indies [ map ] ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 ) ; less common out west
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: Convolvulaceae (other plant associations probably incidental)
Life History
Eggs laid in clusters of 15-30 on leaves. Larvae feed on leaves, carry frass on back. Overwinters as adult. eggs larvae pupa adult
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Chelymorpha cassidea (Fabricius 1775)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Chelymorpha cassidea. 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 Argus Tortoise Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Stephen_WV; Additional contributions by cotinis , Beatriz Moisset , Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Argus Tortoise Beetle
What is Argus Tortoise Beetle?
Argus Tortoise Beetle (Chelymorpha cassidea) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Argus Tortoise Beetle?
8-12 mm
How do you identify Argus Tortoise Beetle?
dorsum glabrous above -- hairy in Ch. phytophagica , a swUS species: vs
Where is Argus Tortoise Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Meadows, fields |
| Range | QC-FL to AB-CA; W. Indies [ map ] ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 ) ; less common out west |
What does Argus Tortoise Beetle eat?
The diet of the Argus Tortoise Beetle includes hosts: Convolvulaceae (other plant associations probably incidental).
What is the life cycle of a Argus Tortoise Beetle?
Eggs laid in clusters of 15-30 on leaves. Larvae feed on leaves, carry frass on back. Overwinters as adult. eggs larvae pupa adult