INSECTS INJURIOUS TO THE SWEET POTATO 



435 



The Golden Tortoise-beetle * 



This is a very common species and may be found on morning- 

 glory vines throughout the summer. The beetles upon first 

 emerging are a dull orange color with three prominent black dots 

 on each wing-cover, but a little later they change to a metallic gold, 

 shining like the most brilliant tinsel, and the black spots are less 

 noticeable. All of the tortoise-beetles, and this species in particu- 

 lar, have the habit of dropping quckly to the ground and feigning 

 death when disturbed. The eggs are quite different from those of 

 other species, having three spiny prongs projecting from the pos 



FIG. 312. The golden tortoise-beetle (Coplocyda bicolor Fab.): a, b, larvae; 

 p, pupa; d, beetle; egg at right all enlarged. (After Riley). 



terior margin (Fig. 312) . The larva is easily distinguished by being 

 nearly concealed by the heavy load of excrement which is tri-lobed 

 in outline. Though usually of a dark-brown color with a paler 

 shade along the middle of the back, when the fseci-fork is raised 

 the light color extends over the entire upper side. The pupa, with 

 the loaded fork still held close to the back, is hardly distinguishable 

 from the larva at first glance, but if the fork is removed it may be 

 distinguished from nearly releated pupae by the three dark stripes 

 on the prothorax and similar m-arkings over the abdomen. 



* Coptocycla bicolor Fab. Family Chrysomelidce. 



