Golden Tortoise Beetle Larva

Description:

The larvae of the Golden Tortoise Beetle have broad, flattened bodies that are adorned with branched spines. They carry their cast skins and fecal material on their back - attached to spines arising from the posterior end of their body, a structure called an "anal fork." The anal fork is used to hold the debris over the back of the body, forming a fecal shield that deters predation. This larva had so much jiggly goo on it's back, that I imagine it will be successful in dissuading anything that might initially want to eat it.

Habitat:

On a morning glory plant in a rural yard.