Tortoise beetle larva

Description:

Tortoise beetle larvae cover their body with their own faeces (or frass). According to a brazilian expert, Prof. Zundir Buzzi, this behaviour increases up to 70% the larva's protection against predatory wasps. Different species of TBs build this shield in different shapes. This one has a very interesting cover, that looks like a small moth's wings, as shown in photos 2 and 5. Photo 4 shows a side view, and photo 3 shows where the cover attaches to the larva's tail.