Mottled Tortoise Beetle
Deloyala guttata
Mottled Tortoise Beetle
Deloyala guttata
Deloyala guttata, commonly known as the mottled tortoise beetle, is a striking member of the leaf beetle family (Chrysomelidae). Like other tortoise beetles, it gets its name from its domed, shield-like body shape that gives the insect a tortoise-like appearance. This beetle is found across much of North America and is especially associated with plants in the morning glory family (Convolvulaceae).
Identification:
The body of the mottled tortoise beetle is rounded to oval in outline, with wide forewings (elytra) that extend outward like a protective shell. Its thorax (pronotum) overlaps the head and legs, concealing them when the beetle is at rest, adding to the tortoise look. The outer cuticle of the beetle is transparent, which allows its golden sheen and mottled markings to shine through.
At sexual maturity, D. guttata develops its most spectacular coloration. Adults often appear bright metallic gold or burnished copper, with irregular black or dark brown blotches scattered across the wing covers — hence the name mottled. However, this dazzling appearance can change after death or stress, as the reflective layer beneath the cuticle loses its luster.
Fun fact:
The golden coloration of the beetle is not due to pigments but to microscopic surface structures that manipulate light — a phenomenon called structural coloration. This is why the beetle can look like a tiny living jewel when it catches the sun.
Life cycle and habits:
Eggs & larvae: Females lay eggs on host plants such as morning glories, bindweeds, and sweet potato vines. The spiny larvae carry shed skins and fecal matter on their backs as a form of camouflage and protection against predators.
Adults: The adults feed on leaves, chewing small, round holes, but they rarely cause significant damage to healthy plants.
Deloyala guttata
Deloyala guttata, commonly known as the mottled tortoise beetle, is a striking member of the leaf beetle family (Chrysomelidae). Like other tortoise beetles, it gets its name from its domed, shield-like body shape that gives the insect a tortoise-like appearance. This beetle is found across much of North America and is especially associated with plants in the morning glory family (Convolvulaceae).
Identification:
The body of the mottled tortoise beetle is rounded to oval in outline, with wide forewings (elytra) that extend outward like a protective shell. Its thorax (pronotum) overlaps the head and legs, concealing them when the beetle is at rest, adding to the tortoise look. The outer cuticle of the beetle is transparent, which allows its golden sheen and mottled markings to shine through.
At sexual maturity, D. guttata develops its most spectacular coloration. Adults often appear bright metallic gold or burnished copper, with irregular black or dark brown blotches scattered across the wing covers — hence the name mottled. However, this dazzling appearance can change after death or stress, as the reflective layer beneath the cuticle loses its luster.
Fun fact:
The golden coloration of the beetle is not due to pigments but to microscopic surface structures that manipulate light — a phenomenon called structural coloration. This is why the beetle can look like a tiny living jewel when it catches the sun.
Life cycle and habits:
Eggs & larvae: Females lay eggs on host plants such as morning glories, bindweeds, and sweet potato vines. The spiny larvae carry shed skins and fecal matter on their backs as a form of camouflage and protection against predators.
Adults: The adults feed on leaves, chewing small, round holes, but they rarely cause significant damage to healthy plants.
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