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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) > Tortoise beetle larva
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03-AUG-2013 Christine Hanrahan

Tortoise beetle larva

The larvae of tortoise beetles are odd looking little creatures. They have a very spiky appearance around their body. Most interesting of all, they carry a fecal shield as a protective cover. That brown stuff you see is actually dry frass (insect poop) which is attached to their "tail" and can be raised and lowered. A bit like carrying a parasol! I don't know which species this is, as I saw no adults nearby. It was found in the Mer Bleue area, on Solanum dulcamara. By the way, its head is on the right side!

Canon PowerShot SX20 IS
1/80s f/4.5 at 5.0mm iso200 full exif

other sizes: small medium original auto
Graeme19-Aug-2013 18:59
You show us some real wonders from the insect world, Christine and this is another marvel! BBV
Carol Rollins11-Aug-2013 13:30
Wow, very unusual. Nature never fails to amaze me. Great shot Christine. ~
Karen Stuebing10-Aug-2013 22:10
This is really detailed and interesting. An amazing bug. V.
laine10-Aug-2013 21:39
I do like this but the previous shot shows its tortoise likeness best
Ika Zinka Eferl08-Aug-2013 12:21
Well done!V
Terry Sprague08-Aug-2013 00:56
Well this is awesome! V
Esa Ervasti07-Aug-2013 21:15
You keep showing amazing little creatures with wonderful information!
Karen Stuebing07-Aug-2013 21:01
What a fascinating insect. I'm sure the armor looking part has some purpose in protecting it. V.
Stephanie07-Aug-2013 20:39
Much too bizarre! Super capture Christine! V
J. Scott Coile07-Aug-2013 20:17
Well disguised.
Jim Coffman07-Aug-2013 17:00
School is back in session! Wow, Who would know.Thanks again,Christine.
joseantonio07-Aug-2013 16:17
Another interesting lesson.Thank you.v.
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