Black-legged Tortoise Beetle – Jonthonota nigripes

Black-legged Tortoise Beetle – Jonthonota nigripes Common Name: Black-legged Tortoise Beetle Latin Name: Jonthonota nigripes. Appearance: The adult Black-legged Tortoise Beetle is approximately 5-7mm long, with a flattened, oval body that is bright metallic green with a black head and legs. Eggs: The female Black-legged Tortoise Beetle lays small, white, oval-shaped eggs on the leaves of its host plants. Pupae: The pupa of the Black-legged Tortoise Beetle is green and can be found on the underside of the leaves of its host plant. Larvae: The Black-legged Tortoise Beetle larvae are spiny and black, with white spots. They feed on the leaves of the host plant. Adults: Adult Black-legged Tortoise Beetles feed on the leaves of their host plants and can be found from late spring to early fall. Host plants: The Black-legged Tortoise Beetle feeds on various plants in the Solanaceae and Convolvulaceae families, including morning glories, sweet potato, and tobacco. Territory: The Black-legged Tortoise Beetle is found throughout the United States and Canada. Damages caused by Black-legged Tortoise Beetle: The Black-legged Tortoise Beetle can cause damage to its host plants by feeding on the leaves. However, it is not considered a major pest and does not typically cause significant damage. Life history and habitat: The Black-legged Tortoise Beetle can be found in various habitats, including gardens, fields, and woodland edges. Its life cycle includes egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages, and it typically produces two generations per year.