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For Insects, Spiders & Their Kin
For the United States & Canada
Photo#361099
translucent beetle - Helocassis clavata

translucent beetle - Helocassis clavata
Rockford, Winnegabo County, Illinois, USA
October 6, 2009
Size: 5 mm
I found this bug on a window screen. It looked like a spot of bird dropping but was walking and had antenna. The photos with grey background were taken after the bug was collected and was still fresh. The translucent shell allows it to take on the color of the object it is perched upon. The upper surface lookes etched. The photos with green background were taken today after the bug had dried out. They show the hump on the back. The bug brings to mind a flattened ladybug.

Images of this individual: tag all
translucent beetle - Helocassis clavata translucent beetle - Helocassis clavata translucent beetle - Helocassis clavata translucent beetle - Helocassis clavata translucent beetle - Helocassis clavata

indeed; nice series, too.
Keith, pls edit to change the redundant "Rockford Illinois USA" to just "Rockford" like i did on this image. thanks.

Moved from ID Request.

Looks like
Clavate Tortoise Beetle - Plagiometriona clavata.



Not sure about that "etching," though. It looks almost as if it's covered with frost.

Possible ID?
Clavate Tortoise Beetle - Plagiometriona clavata?

It does look a bit like a sea turtle.