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larose forest photos | all galleries >> INSECTS (INSECTA) (28 Galleries) >> Beetles (Coleoptera) (58 Galleries) >> Tortoise Beetles and the Hispines (Family: Chrysomelidae, Subfamily: Cassidinae) > Clavate Tortoise Beetle (Plagiometriona clavata), larva and adult
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Christine Hanrahan

Clavate Tortoise Beetle (Plagiometriona clavata), larva and adult

These two photos were taken at different times. The adult, bottom, was photographed first. The larva a few days ago. The adult is tiny, about 4 mm, and is often called a "teddy bear" beetle because of its resemblance to a tiny cuddly teddy! The larva (1-2mm), at the top, is an unusual looking critter, with all those spikes radiating out from that flat body. The black bit at the top is actually a protective covering of frass (insect poop) which is hinged by the tail. When it is down on top of the body, the larva looks exactly like a speck of dirt.


other sizes: small medium large original auto
Patricia Kay14-Jul-2011 20:04
Fabulous captures Christine...BV
J. Scott Coile14-Jul-2011 18:04
Awesome.
Margot W14-Jul-2011 13:57
I almost thought the larva was the adult. Yes a teddy bear for sure.
Stephanie14-Jul-2011 11:54
Fascinating! V
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