Cassida rubiginosa - Tortoise Beetle

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Classification Order: Coleoptera– Leaf Beetles Family: Chrysomelidae

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Length . 6 - 7.5mm.

Phenology Overwintered Adult March/April Larvae June / August New Adult July / Spetember

Identification Caution not usually possible to be certain from image . Elytra are matt green and it often sits with the edges flush to the leaf, leaving no shadow, like many beetles they may exude a liquid to deter predators hence the name rubiginosa refers to the beetle's ability to produce a red liquid from the head.

Similars There are aprox 4 others in the Genus C.vibex,

Life CycleLarvae and pupae have twin tail-spikes which are sometimes used to carry dead skins and faecies in a parasol like fashion The spikes are retained by the pupa and these are flicked forward if it is disturbed.Adults overwinter in tussocks, and in other vegetable debris or moss etc . They emmerge early spring and can be swept from herbage during warm days in March / April

Habitat Found Rough grassland or pasture containing the host plant Creeping Thistle Cirsium palustre or Knapweed t