Common name : Golden tortoise beetle
Scientific name : Charidotella sexpunctata
Family : Chrysomelidae
Native to : America
Interesting fact : This beetle has earned the nickname ‘goldbug’ on account of its colouration which may vary from orange to golden but is always metallic.
7 mm in length, the goldbug, which is usually a shiny golden colour, can turn into a dull brown colour when disturbed. Its diet includes foliage and plants including sweet potato, morning glories, bindweeds, etc. The female can lay about 20 flat eggs in one clutch usually on the stem or underside of the leaf. Eggs hatch within 8 to 10 days. So as to protect it from predators, the larva covers itself with shed skin.
