Family: Nitidulidae
Subfamily: Nitidulinae
Length: 5-6 mm
Bearing a modest resemblance to a Tortoise Beetle, Prometopia sexmaculata is actually in the family Nitidulidae, or Sap-Feeding Beetles. The reason for the flattened shape is that these beetles spend most or all of their lives living in the narrow spaces under the bark of dead trees, feeding on sap especially in the Spring.
Dates on records of this species range from very early Spring to late Fall. In the winter, Prometopia sexmaculata can often be found in groups under bark.
