Pale Tortoise Beetle
Cassida flaveola
This record describes Cassida flaveola (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
At 4-6mm, this pale-golden coloured Tortoise Beetle is generally the smallest in the genus. It has a translucent yellowish rim. Areas of long grass, flowers and coarse vegetation. Best months are May and June, however it overwinters in grass tussocks so can be found at any time of year. Associated with a range of plants including Creeping Thistle and Chickweeds. Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.
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
Areas of long grass, flowers and coarse vegetation.
Seasonal Activity
Best months are May and June, however it overwinters in grass tussocks so can be found at any time of year.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Associated with a range of plants including Creeping Thistle and Chickweeds.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cassida flaveola. 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 Pale Tortoise Beetle (5)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pale Tortoise Beetle
What is Pale Tortoise Beetle?
Pale Tortoise Beetle (Cassida flaveola) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Pale Tortoise Beetle found?
Habitat: Areas of long grass, flowers and coarse vegetation.
When is Pale Tortoise Beetle active?
Pale Tortoise Beetle: seasonal activity - Best months are May and June, however it overwinters in grass tussocks so can be found at any time of year..
What is the life cycle of a Pale Tortoise Beetle?
Associated with a range of plants including Creeping Thistle and Chickweeds.