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Tortoise Leaf Beetle

Paropsis variolosa

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-29.5859, 152.776

Field Notes

Description:

Small (just over 1cm), orange/red mottled pattern beetle, gold mottled pattern, slightly pin-dented shiny shell, round/dome shaped, black eyes, gold edged feet, very active, possibly Variole Paropsine Beetle. Also known as Eucalyptus Tortoise Beetles. Feeds on Eucalyptus leaves.

Habitat:

A variety of species found throughout Australia in a variety of habitats. This one in dry woodland forest in north east NSW.

Species ID Suggestions

Tortoise leaf beetle

Paropsis variolosa

Reference Link
MartinL
1

Comments (7)
kdpicturemaker
Very true MacC. I've only found two on two separate properties. I remember 'many' years ago they were a common find with many varieties on offer. It's a worry when you really take notice of the changes happening. I'd love to find more. Maybe due to the dry not many tree saplings are coming up which they seem to like (the new leaves) and are easier to find than in the high tree canopy.
kdpicturemaker
Thank you JillBlack for comment. It was ready to leap into my face in the first picture.

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Flora & Fauna of New South Wales
Mission
Beetles!
Mission
National Geographic's Great Nature Project
Photographed
PublishedMarch 2, 2014

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