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Argus tortoise beetle

Argus tortoise beetle

Chelymorpha cassidea

A species of Chelymorpha, Also known as Angus tortoise beetle

The beetle is 9 - 12 mm long and is yellow to bright red with black spots. The beetle is able to stretch out its red head beyond its pronotum, as if it were a single red eye. Its larvae are yellowish-green or orange-yellow.

General Info About Argus tortoise beetle
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Attributes of Argus tortoise beetle
Colors
Black
Yellow
Red
Habitat
meadow; roadside; milkweed; raspberry; maize; potato
Adult Food Sources
Morning glory leaves, sweet potato leaves, bindweed leaves, ipomoea spp. leaves, convolvulus spp. leaves
Larva Food Source
Morning glory leaves, sweet potato leaves, bindweed leaves, ipomoea spp. leaves, convolvulus spp. leaves
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Argus tortoise beetle feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Species Status of Argus tortoise beetle
It is found in the Caribbean and North America.
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Distribution Area of Argus tortoise beetle
Caribbean and North America
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Appearance of Argus tortoise beetle
The beetle is 9 - 12 mm long and is yellow to bright red with black spots. Because the beetle is able to stretch out its red head beyond its pronotum, as if it were a single red eye. Its larvae are yellowish-green or orange-yellow.
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How to Identify Argus tortoise beetle?

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Life Cycle of Argus tortoise beetle
Egg The egg stage marks the beginning of argus tortoise beetle's life cycle. The eggs are small, shaped to the host plant's surface, and their color camouflages with the foliage to evade predators.
Larva In the larval stage, argus tortoise beetle consumes plant material voraciously. This stage is characterized by a soft, elongated body, distinct from the adult form. Growth includes multiple molts, with size and coloration changes.
Pupal During pupation, argus tortoise beetle is encased in a protective cocoon, undergoing drastic transformation. The pupal stage sees the reorganization of tissues, structures form, and pigment develops as it prepares for the adult phase.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult argus tortoise beetle has hardened exoskeleton and pronounced elytra. It possesses fully developed wings and reproductive organs. The adult's primary focus is on mating and egg-laying.
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Adult Size of Argus tortoise beetle
9 - 12 mm
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Predators of Argus tortoise beetle Larvae
Birds, mammals, spiders, parasitic wasps, predaceous beetles
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Predators of Adult Argus tortoise beetle
Birds, mammals, reptiles, spiders, predaceous beetles
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Scientific Classification of Argus tortoise beetle
Tips for Finding Argus tortoise beetle
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Youth Habitat of Argus tortoise beetle
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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Habitat Preferences of Argus tortoise beetle Through Different Life Stages
The larvae of argus tortoise beetle typically thrive on the underside of host plant leaves, where they feed and develop, often on members of the Convolvulaceae family. Searching for them involves careful inspection of leaf undersides in areas dense with potential host plants. Adult argus tortoise beetle, which are very mobile, are frequently encountered on the upper surfaces of leaves or flowers of host plants, indulging in foliage or pollen. To spot adults, exploration of flowering field edges during daylight, when they are most active, is fruitful. All stages need to be searched for in the habitats where host plants are abundant.
Are Argus tortoise beetle harmful?
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The argus tortoise beetle can cause toxic reactions with a wide range of severity. However, the toxins are typically targeted at their prey and predators. They are usually not fatal to humans.

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Are Argus tortoise beetle harmful to humans?

Some colorful leaf beetles are actually toxic, and their beautiful appearance is warning predators: I am very dangerous, do not eat me! However, just observing with your eyes and touching the leaf beetle with your hand will not be poisoned.
Harmful Effects of Argus tortoise beetle
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Agricultural Pests

When argus tortoise beetle is present in large numbers, severe defoliation can occur, leading to significant yield losses across various crops. This insect damages the leaves of host plants while feeding, which, in limited numbers, may only cause cosmetic damage but can lead to reduced photosynthesis, growth, and vitality of plants as their numbers increase. Their activity may also have secondary impacts on human food supplies and economic stability in agricultural sectors.

More Effects of Argus tortoise beetle

Beneficial Effects of Argus tortoise beetle
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Shape
Argus tortoise beetle inadvertently transfers pollen while feeding on the floral tissues and nectar of various blooms. Attracted by the vibrant colors and specific shapes of flowers, it plays a serendipitous role in the cross-pollination of plants without actively collecting pollen for consumption or for its offspring.
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