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Photo#59465
Are these Caterpillars?

Are these Caterpillars?
Pennsylvania, USA
June 20, 2006
Found these guys clustered on Hedge Bindweed, or something similar from the morning glory family. I wasn't sure if they're an immature caterpillar or something different altogether.
Thanks

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Are these Caterpillars? Are these Caterpillars?

Moved

Hedge Bindweed
You are correct, those arrow-shaped leaves with square basal lobes confirm that this viny plant is indeed Hedge Bindweed (Calystegia (Convolvulus) sepium) in the Morning Glory family (Convolvulaceae).

Moved
Moved from Leaf Beetles.

Moved
Moved from Tortoise Beetles.

Moved
Moved from Leaf Beetles.

Moved
Moved from Beetles.

Tortoise Beetle Larvae.
The host plant, and the, um, fecal shields that tortoise beetle larvae manufacture (yes, the black stuff is poop), leave no doubt that these are in the family Chrysomelidae, and the subfamily Cassidinae.

 
I agree.
It's worth pointing out that just the presence of a fecal shield alone is no evidence that a larva is a cassidine. Some other leaf beetle larvae employ this defensive measure also. None of the others eat morning glories though.

 
Thanks Guys
After looking at the photos I kind of thought they might be some other larvae. Now I know.
Thanks

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