Argus Tortoise Beetle – Chelymorpha cassidea

Argus Tortoise Beetle – Chelymorpha cassidea Common Name: Argus Tortoise Beetle Latin Name: Chelymorpha cassidea Appearance: The adult Argus Tortoise Beetle is approximately 8-10mm long, with a flattened, oval body that is bright metallic green with black spots. The underside of the beetle is brownish. Eggs: The female Argus Tortoise Beetle lays small, yellow, oval-shaped eggs on the leaves of its host plants. Pupae: The pupa of the Argus Tortoise Beetle is green and can be found on the underside of the leaves of its host plant. Larvae: The Argus Tortoise Beetle larvae are spiny and black, with white spots. They feed on the leaves of the host plant. Adults: Adult Argus Tortoise Beetles feed on the leaves of their host plants and can be found from late spring to early fall. Host plants: The Argus Tortoise Beetle feeds on various plants in the family Asteraceae, including sunflowers, goldenrods, and asters. Territory: The Argus Tortoise Beetle is found throughout the eastern United States. Damages caused by Argus Tortoise Beetle: The Argus 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 Argus Tortoise Beetle can be found in various habitats, including meadows, fields, and woodland edges. Its life cycle includes egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages, and it typically produces two generations per year.