Mottled Tortoise Beetle – Deloyala guttata

Mottled Tortoise Beetle (Deloyala guttata) Common Name: Mottled Tortoise Beetle Latin Name: Deloyala guttata Appearance: Beetle has a unique appearance, with a shiny, metallic look that ranges from bronze to green. This gives the beetle a mottled appearance, which is where it gets its common name. Eggs: The Beetle is yellow to orange and is usually laid on the underside of leaves. They are applied in clusters and are often laid near the veins of the leaves. Pupae: Beetles are brown to yellowish-brown in color and are typically found on the underside of leaves. They are usually found near the larvae and are the stage between the larvae and the adult beetle. Larvae: The larvae of the Mottled Tortoise beetles are cylindrical and have a characteristic humped back. They are brown to yellowish-brown and are covered in fine, black hairs. The larvae feed on the leaves and stems of plants and are the primary cause of crop damage. Adults: The adults of the Mottled Tortoise beetles feed on various plants, including legumes, solanaceous crops, and other crops. However, they are especially attracted to bean crops. The adult beetles feed on the leaves and stems of plants, causing large holes in the leaves. Host plants: The Mottled Tortoise Beetle is known to feed on various plants, including legumes, solanaceous crops, and other crops. However, they are especially attracted to bean crops. Territory: Beetle is widespread and can be found in tropical and subtropical regions of Australia, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Damages caused by Mottled Tortoise: The Mottled Tortoise Beetle causes damage to crops by feeding on the leaves and stems of plants. This feeding results in the formation of large holes in leaves, which can cause significant yield losses in crops. The larvae also have a habit of feeding on the inside of leaves, causing them to dry out and die. Life history and habitat: The habitat of the Mottled Tortoise Beetle includes fields and other agricultural areas where its host plants are grown. It is important to monitor the presence of this insect in farming areas to prevent damage to crops and minimize yield losses. Understanding the life history and habitat of the Mottled Tortoise Beetle is crucial in developing effective pest management strategies to reduce its impact on crops.