Golden tortoise beetle

The golden tortoise beetle (Charidotella sexpunctata) is a species of beetle in the leaf beetle family, Chrysomelidae. It is native to the Americas.

This beetle consumes foliage of bindweeds, morning glories, and sweet potato (all in the Convolvulaceae). Both adults and larvae feed on foliage.[1]

This beetle's adults are 5 through 7 millimeters long. It is variable in color from reddish-brown with black spots through gold, and it is often metallic, earning it the nickname "goldbug".[2] Elytral margins are expanded and nearly transparent.[1] This beetle's color changes through its development, during mating, and during times of disturbance, such as touching by a researcher. Scientists have not examined the color-change mechanism in this species. However, color change in the related Panamanian Charidotella egregia, also called golden tortoise beetle, occurs when this beetle's elytra hydrate and dehydrate.[3] Adults of both species can turn from shiny gold through reddish-brown when disturbed.[4]