Clavate Tortoise Beetle
Helocassis clavata
This record describes Helocassis clavata (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
adult: dorsum with large dark patch shaped like a teddy bear, with legs of the bear reaching elytral margins and the head extending onto the pronotum
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cassidinae
- Tribe
- Cassidini
- Genus
- Helocassis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e.NA to AZ to S.America ( map )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: ground-cherries ( Physalis ), Jimsonweed ( Datura stramonium ), and Solanum spp. (Solanaceae) ( 3 )
Life History
Egg Larva Adult
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Helocassis clavata (Fabricius 1798)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Helocassis clavata. 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 Clavate Tortoise Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Troy Bartlett; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , Mike Quinn , ceiseman , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Clavate Tortoise Beetle
What is Clavate Tortoise Beetle?
Clavate Tortoise Beetle (Helocassis clavata) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Clavate Tortoise Beetle?
5‒7 mm; female larger than male
How do you identify Clavate Tortoise Beetle?
adult: dorsum with large dark patch shaped like a teddy bear, with legs of the bear reaching elytral margins and the head extending onto the pronotum
Where is Clavate Tortoise Beetle found?
Range: e.NA to AZ to S.America ( map )
What does Clavate Tortoise Beetle eat?
The diet of the Clavate Tortoise Beetle includes ground-cherries ( Physalis ), Jimsonweed ( Datura stramonium ), and Solanum spp. (Solanaceae) ( 3 ).
What is the life cycle of a Clavate Tortoise Beetle?
Egg Larva Adult