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Charidotella sexpunctata
The first 3 photos show larvae, which have broad, flattened bodies that are adorned with branched spines. The larvae carry their cast skins and fecal material on their backs - 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. The last photo shows an adult, which is golden orange with spots on the elytra.
The larvae were on a morning glory plant and the adult was on a trellis that the morning glory was climbing.
Spotted on Jul 23, 2017
Submitted on Jul 24, 2017
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