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NO. 020Golden tortoise beetle illustrationIllustration · not shown at life size

Beetles / Insect

Golden tortoise beetle

Charidotella sexpunctata

AdultA special find

A broad, clear rim surrounds this tiny beetle. It is often gold, but its color can change.

Let’s look closer

Little clues

Three things to notice.

  1. Often metallic gold.

  2. Broad, nearly transparent rim.

  3. Feeds on morning-glory relatives.

Out in the world

Where to look.

Around southeastern Wisconsin

Bindweed and morning glory.

Look closely. Leave your tiny neighbor where you found it.

A closer look

One clue is just the start.

The shiny gold color can change. The broad rim around the body is another helpful clue.

A special find can be hard to spot without being biologically rare. Encounters depend on season and habitat.

Keep exploring

Meet the neighbors.

For curious grownups, too

Read a little further.

Original summaries, with references for deeper reading. Field notes are being checked against the supplied research.

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Artwork & downloads.

Front artwork is made for a 3-inch clear disc. Revised artwork still needs a physical check. Reverse QR files use the confirmed permanent website.

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