Family: Chrysomelidae
Subfamily: Hispinae
Length: 4.5-6.5 mm
Golden Tortoise Beetles feed on members of the morning glory family, both the garden varieties and the wild ones. In laboratory conditions the Golden Tortoise Beetles nibbled politely on plants that were not morning glories, but entomologists doubt they feed on anything other than morning glories when morning glories are available.
Most noticeable is the brilliant gold color which may fade quickly to a yellowish brown (at left). The edges of the elytra show clear at the edges. The elytral surface is punctate, and several dark spots give its scientific specific name.
Some sources refer to this beetle as Metriona bicolor or Charidotella bicolor.
Insects of West Virginia
