The insects of the beetle family Chrysomelidae are commonly known as leaf beetles, and include over 37,000 species in more than 2,500 genera, making up one of the largest and most commonly encountered of all beetle families. Numerous subfamilies are recognized, but the precise taxonomy and systematics are likely to change with ongoing research.
The Cassidinae are a subfamily of the leaf beetles, or Chrysomelidae. The antennae arise close to each other and some members have the pronotal and elytral edges extended to the side and covering the legs so as to give them the common name of tortoise beetles. Some members, such as in the tribe Hispini, are notable for the spiny outgrowths to the pronotum and elytra.
Cassida is a large Old World genus of tortoise beetles in the subfamily Cassidinae. The natural history of Cassida sphaerula in South Africa is a typical life cycle. Several species of Cassida are important agricultural pests, in particular C. vittata and C. nebulosa on sugar beet and spinach. The thistle tortoise beetle has been used as a biological control agent against Canada thistle.
Acromis spinifex is a species of tortoise beetle from South America. The males have enlarged elytra which are probably used in male–male combat, while females are among the few tortoise beetles to show maternal care of their offspring.
The fecal shield is a structure formed by the larvae of many species of beetles in the leaf beetle family, Chrysomelidae. It is composed of the frass of the insect and often its exuviae, or bits of shed exoskeleton. The beetle may carry the shield on its back or wield it upon its posterior end. The main function of the fecal shield is defense against predators. Other terms for the fecal shield noted in the literature include "larval clothing", "kotanhang", "faecal mask", "faecal pad", and "exuvio-faecal annex".
Deloyala guttata, the mottled tortoise beetle, is a species of tortoise beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America.
Anisostena is a genus of tortoise beetles and hispines in the family Chrysomelidae. There are at least 30 described species in Anisostena.
Charidotella is a genus of tortoise beetles in the family Chrysomelidae. There are at least 100 described species in Charidotella.
Agroiconota is a genus of tortoise beetles in the family Chrysomelidae. There are more than 20 described species in Agroiconota.
Hemisphaerota cyanea, also known as the Palmetto tortoise beetle, is a species in the Chrysomelidae family. Beetles in this family are commonly characterized by their small size, relatively oval and convex shape, variable color but often shining/ iridescent bodies, small heads, and 5-jointed tarsi. Other names include the Florida tortoise beetle and iridescent blue chrysomelid beetle. It is native to the southeastern United States. The specific name (cyanea) means "dark blue," and the beetle earned its name as the palmetto tortoise beetle because it is the only tortoise beetle that feeds on palms.
Hemisphaerota is a genus in the subfamily Cassidinae in the family Chrysomelidae. There are about 10 described species in Hemisphaerota.
Microrhopala is a genus of tortoise beetles and hispines in the family Chrysomelidae. There are about 18 described species in Microrhopala.
Octotoma is a genus of tortoise beetles and hispines in the family Chrysomelidae. There are about 12 described species in Octotoma.
Gratiana pallidula, the eggplant tortoise beetle, is a species of tortoise beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in Central America and North America.
Charidotella purpurata is a species of tortoise beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in North America.
Charidotella egregia is a species of leaf beetle described by Carl Henrik Boheman in 1855. Along with Charidotella sexpunctata, it is known as a golden tortoise beetle.
Eurypepla calochroma, commonly known as the Geiger tortoise beetle, is a species of tortoise beetle. It is found in Florida, Central America and the Caribbean. This specific beetle only feeds on the Geiger tree throughout all of its life stages.
Epistictina reicheana, is a species of leaf beetle found in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Tasmania.
Laccoptera (Laccopteroidea) quatuordecimnotata, is a species of leaf beetle native to India, and Sri Lanka.
Silana farinosa, commonly known as curry-leaf tortoise beetle, is a species of leaf beetle native to Indo-China, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and introduced to Peninsular Malaysia.
