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Project Noah Nature School
Cassidinae
JJ_Andin provided me with the info. Links: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/veg/... http://ipm.ncsu.edu/ag295/html/tortoise_...
Spotted on Mar 17, 2013
Submitted on Mar 21, 2013
21 Comments
WOW!!!!!
Great spotting! :)
Fun fact! Tortoise beetle larvae have evolved a novel way of protecting themselves from predators – they cover their anal forks (the long spines near the tip of the abdomen) with copious amounts of excrement!
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KarenL, sorry I completely forgot! I've updated the info. I wanted to credit JJ_Andin, but I wasn't sure how.
Hi enverlieuw, now that JJ has provided you with a general ID & some great info please can you update this spotting. Thanks!
In this site you'll find a huge amount of info about tortoise beetles. The two polish scholars that keep it are among the greatest experts on these beetles. You can submit your photos to them, I am sure they will be glad to help you with its ID (they did help me before).
Wow!
U don't see this too often. Thanks for explaining the photo. I have seen larvae with fecal matter before, but must admit, this is the best! Congrats! WOW to me!
i have seen this before....in indonesia .bali what is it?
This is great. Thanks for sharing the picture and the information.
Thanks for the info JJ_Andin!! Wow that's fascinating, but it makes sense. He was moving that black thing back and forward.
Great info jj !
great info jj_ Andin!!
It is part of the larvae.
"The larvae display the habit of carrying their cast skins and fecal material attached to spines arising from the posterior end of their body, a structure called an "anal fork." "
source: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/veg/...
But i'm not sure if this one is Golden Tortoise beetle :)
Could it be possible that a fungus is growing on its head and has taken over its brain controll/
Amazing!
Fantastic spot !
Is it wearing a fancy hat!! Is it part of the larvae? Would have love to see more pictures of it, it is very interesting.
Hey! That's a larvae of a tortoise beetle. just not sure which species. good find!
That has to be among the weirdest living things I have ever seen. Nice shot
Wild!