Pupa - Plagiometriona clavata

Moved

… Hartmut Wisch, 22 August, 2008 - 9:42pm

Probably a Plagiometriona sp.,

i.e. P. clavata, which feeds on members of the Solanaceae (Nightshade family); Solanum tuberosum is the potato.
Another Tortoise beetle, Gratiana pallidula, also feeds on that family of plants. I'm not sure whose larvae look like the one in your photos.

… Hartmut Wisch, 30 July, 2008 - 10:43pm

try to get adults

you can probably find them on the same plants. Gratiana are green, while Plagiometriona are brown. Ususally green adults have green larva etc, but I´m not sure without adults

… Rob Westerduijn, 31 July, 2008 - 4:49pm

Considering the locale where

Considering the locale where it was found I would say it leaves out Gratiana pallidula. That species is predominately southwestern in distribution. So Plagiometriona clavata is the logical choice. BTW, this is a shot of a pupa.

… John R. Watts, 13 August, 2008 - 8:31am

searched the plants today, but found no adults. I did find two other larva with the same shield formations. I guess I'll wait and see what colour adults they become. Thank you. :)

… Sharon Perrault, 1 August, 2008 - 9:48pm

sounds like a good idea

hope you succeed and a good shot at the adults

… Rob Westerduijn, 8 August, 2008 - 11:50am

Tortoise beetle larva

of some kind with protection by feces! See

. Someone here will likely know which one feeds on potato plants.

… john and jane balaban, 30 July, 2008 - 8:30pm

Thank you!

That is so fascinating. It sure has made itself an impressive looking fecal armor! Do they use their own feces to do this? :)

… Sharon Perrault, 30 July, 2008 - 9:15pm

Yes, they do! Check out the c

Yes, they do! Check out the cryptocephalines as well for cool larval cases made of fecal material.

… John R. Watts, 13 August, 2008 - 8:34am

Wow....

they are such resourceful little guys! I finally found an adult beetle on the same plant. I just posted it in ID request a few minutes ago. Thank you so much. :)

… Sharon Perrault, 22 August, 2008 - 9:27am