North American argus tortoise beetle

insect

Also known as: Chelymorpha cassidea

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Last updated

July 16, 2026

Quick Summary

The North American argus tortoise beetle (Chelymorpha cassidea) is a type of tortoise beetle, belonging to the subfamily Cassidinae. These beetles are known for their turtle-like appearance due to body extensions. The argus tortoise beetle is reddish with black spots.12

Larvae of some tortoise beetle species, including the argus, employ a unique defense mechanism. They push their old skins and feces to their hind end, forming a shield that camouflages them. This beetle feeds on crops like sweet potatoes, cabbage, corn, and strawberries.1

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tortoise beetle
Life cycle and natural history
variolosa and the North American argus tortoise beetle (Chelymorpha cassidea). During each molt, the old skin is pushed back and attached to spines at the hind end. The dried and shrunken skins plus extruded feces combine to form an umbrella-like fecal shield that camouflages the larvae. A tortoise…
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variolosa and the North American argus tortoise beetle (Chelymorpha cassidea). During each molt, the old skin is pushed back and attached to spines at the hind end. The dried and shrunken skins plus extruded feces combine to form an umbrella-like fecal shield that camouflages the larvae. A tortoise…
Read More