Tortoise Beetle

Habitat:

shrubs, gardens, wooded areas, park

Notes:

Today I saw the metallic color form (1 of 2 colors found in Florida). It is the only one I've ever seen despite seeing about 10 of these every time I go to this park (which is often). Today I saw about 12 of the Black/red form that I always see. But there was one metallic mating with a black/red one (see last 2 pics) Also, note on last pic there is what appears to be a tiny parasitic wasp on the female. Do not know if it's there coincidentally or if it is in any way associated with these beetles. See red/black form of same beetle here: http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/848...