These leaf beetles are generally found on agricultural farms or suburban and urban gardens where solanaceous plants are grown. They can also be found sparsely in the wild where species of Solanum grow, usually in grasslands, meadows, and forests. (Riley, 1986)
Adults have large elytra and pronotum, creating a shield over the entire body. The head is covered by this shield when observed from the top. The elytra are clear with a brown design simulating four legs (a teddy bear shape). The elytra are tuberculate, have a post-scutellar protuberance, and the anterior elytral margins are crenulate. The venter of the pronotum does not have grooves. The tarsal claws are appendiculate. The antennae are long and narrow, with the 8th segments distinctly longer than wide. (Riley, 1986)
Development is typical for tortoise beetles. Eggs are laid on host plants, hatching several days later. The larva develops through about 5 to 6 instars before pupating, often on the host plant. (Chaboo, 2007; Riley, 1986)
Nothing is currently known about mating in this species.
It is assumed that mating in this species is similar to other known tortoise beetles. Adults mate and females lay eggs on the host plant. In the north, there is a single brood, but the species is multiple-brooded in the south. (Chaboo, 2007; Riley, 1986)
Nothing is known about parental investment in this species. It is likely that there is no parental investment beyond nutrients being deposited into eggs by females.
The adult lifespan of this species has not been documented, but if typical of other tortoise beetles, it would be a few weeks in the summer. (Chaboo, 2007)
The most intriguing behavior known of (Chaboo, 2007; Nogueira-de-Sa and Trigo, 2002; Nogueira-de-Sa and Trigo, 2005; Olmstead and Denno, 1992; Olmstead and Denno, 1993; Vencl, et al., 1999; Vencl, et al., 2005; Vencl, et al., 2011), as well as most tortoise beetles, is the production of a fecal shield by the larvae. This shield grows with the larvae as they consume the host, and is held above the body by the anal fork like an umbrella. Work from several studies have shown that these shields do not apparently conceal the larvae, but often do deter potential predators, such as true bugs, ants, beetles and spiders. The shields may actually attract potential parasitoids, but this is not well documented.
There has been little investigation of communication abilities, but it is known that the fecal shields of larvae emit chemical deterrents to some predators. Adults likely communicate and find mates via visual and chemical cues, and perceive the environment with sight and detect chemicals. (Nogueira-de-Sa and Trigo, 2002; Nogueira-de-Sa and Trigo, 2005; Olmstead and Denno, 1992; Olmstead and Denno, 1993; Vencl, et al., 1999; Vencl, et al., 2005; Vencl, et al., 2011)
Solanum dulcamara, S. americanum, S. carolinense, S. lycopersicum, S. pseudogracile, and S. tuberosum. Other solanaceous hosts include Capsicum sp., Datura wrightii, and D. stramonium. It eats the leaves of these plants. (Ciegler, 2007; Riley, 1986)feeds on several species of nightshade including
Hemiptera, spiders and beetles as a larvae. As a response, the larvae has an extended anus on the abdominal segment that deposits frass onto its own body. This evidently does little to disguise larvae, but it does seem to repel potential predators by chemical cues. This defense mechanism uses the allelochemicals in their diet to create a chemical shield, partially warding off predators. (Nogueira-de-Sa and Trigo, 2002; Nogueira-de-Sa and Trigo, 2005; Olmstead and Denno, 1992; Olmstead and Denno, 1993; Vencl, et al., 1999; Vencl, et al., 2005; Vencl, et al., 2011)is known to be preyed upon by ants, predatory
Solanum plants, as well as several other solanaceous plant species. However, it does not create enough damage to have an economic effect. It also serves as a prey item for several different Arthropod predators. (Chaboo, 2007; Ciegler, 2007; Nogueira-de-Sa and Trigo, 2002; Nogueira-de-Sa and Trigo, 2005; Olmstead and Denno, 1992; Olmstead and Denno, 1993; Vencl, et al., 1999; Vencl, et al., 2005; Vencl, et al., 2011)feeds on many
Solanum can be studied and used as a defense mechanism for agricultural crops, but this has not been investigated. (Vencl, et al., 1999)could possibly be studied and used as a chemical control for insect pests. The process by which it uses chemicals from
has potential to evolve further to feed extensively on a larger variety of solanaceous plants, therefore becoming a pertinent agricultural pest.
This species has no current conservation status.
Michael Leasia (author), University of Michigan Biological Station, Brian Scholtens (author), University of Michigan Biological Station, Angela Miner (editor), Animal Diversity Web Staff.
living in the Nearctic biogeographic province, the northern part of the New World. This includes Greenland, the Canadian Arctic islands, and all of the North American as far south as the highlands of central Mexico.
living in landscapes dominated by human agriculture.
having coloration that serves a protective function for the animal, usually used to refer to animals with colors that warn predators of their toxicity. For example: animals with bright red or yellow coloration are often toxic or distasteful.
having body symmetry such that the animal can be divided in one plane into two mirror-image halves. Animals with bilateral symmetry have dorsal and ventral sides, as well as anterior and posterior ends. Synapomorphy of the Bilateria.
Found in coastal areas between 30 and 40 degrees latitude, in areas with a Mediterranean climate. Vegetation is dominated by stands of dense, spiny shrubs with tough (hard or waxy) evergreen leaves. May be maintained by periodic fire. In South America it includes the scrub ecotone between forest and paramo.
uses smells or other chemicals to communicate
a period of time when growth or development is suspended in insects and other invertebrates, it can usually only be ended the appropriate environmental stimulus.
animals which must use heat acquired from the environment and behavioral adaptations to regulate body temperature
union of egg and spermatozoan
an animal that mainly eats leaves.
forest biomes are dominated by trees, otherwise forest biomes can vary widely in amount of precipitation and seasonality.
An animal that eats mainly plants or parts of plants.
having a body temperature that fluctuates with that of the immediate environment; having no mechanism or a poorly developed mechanism for regulating internal body temperature.
fertilization takes place within the female's body
A large change in the shape or structure of an animal that happens as the animal grows. In insects, "incomplete metamorphosis" is when young animals are similar to adults and change gradually into the adult form, and "complete metamorphosis" is when there is a profound change between larval and adult forms. Butterflies have complete metamorphosis, grasshoppers have incomplete metamorphosis.
having the capacity to move from one place to another.
the area in which the animal is naturally found, the region in which it is endemic.
reproduction in which eggs are released by the female; development of offspring occurs outside the mother's body.
scrub forests develop in areas that experience dry seasons.
breeding is confined to a particular season
remains in the same area
reproduction that includes combining the genetic contribution of two individuals, a male and a female
living in residential areas on the outskirts of large cities or towns.
Living on the ground.
A terrestrial biome. Savannas are grasslands with scattered individual trees that do not form a closed canopy. Extensive savannas are found in parts of subtropical and tropical Africa and South America, and in Australia.
A grassland with scattered trees or scattered clumps of trees, a type of community intermediate between grassland and forest. See also Tropical savanna and grassland biome.
A terrestrial biome found in temperate latitudes (>23.5° N or S latitude). Vegetation is made up mostly of grasses, the height and species diversity of which depend largely on the amount of moisture available. Fire and grazing are important in the long-term maintenance of grasslands.
living in cities and large towns, landscapes dominated by human structures and activity.
uses sight to communicate
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Flinte, V., D. Windsor, L. Sekerka, M. de Macedo, R. Monteiro. 2010. Plagiometriona emarcida (Boheman, 1855) and Plagiometriona forcipata (Boheman, 1855)(Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae), a single species differing in larval performance and adult phenotype. Journal of Natural History, 44: 891-904.
Nogueira-de-Sa, F., J. Trigo. 2002. Do fecal shields provide physical protection to larvae of the tortoise beetles Plagiometriona flavescens and Stolas chalybea against natural enemies?. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata, 104: 203-206.
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Vencl, F., P. Trillo, R. Geeta. 2011. Functional interactions among tortoise beetle larval defenses reveal trait suites and escalation. Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 65: 227-239.
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