Identification
Each elytron with 7 dark spots; pronotum usually with 4 dark spots
- noted here.
Range
Scattered distribution over the eastern half of th U.S. south of Massachusetts.
(1)Food
The insect and its spiny larvae eat the leaves of squash, cantaloupe, and other cucurbits. An unusual characteristic of this insect is that it circles the leaf area in which it is going to feed.
Remarks
Epilachna borealis pupae utilize an interesting chemical defense mechanism consisting of oily droplets at the tips of glandular hairs that coat the beetle. The oily secretion is especially deterrent against ants. The chemical composition of the secretion consists of ester and amide compound alkanoic acid derivatives, mainly macrocyclic polyamines.
