Extension > Garden > Diagnose a problem > What insect is this? > Garden Pests > Beetles, bugs, ants, and other insects without obvious wings - 1/4 inch - 1/2 inch long > Tortoise beetle
Tortoise beetle
Plagiometriona clavata
Jeff Hahn, University of Minnesota Extension
Description: 1/4 inch long
Oval shaped; head hidden by shield-like structure. Prothorax (area behind the head) and wing covers are opaque; there is a dark brown teddy bear-like marking on the wing covers.
Where/When: Feeds on leaves of sweet potato, morning glory, Chinese lantern, jimson weed, and other plants in the nightshade family (Solanaceae) and morning glory family (Convolvulaceae). Active from June through August.
Significance: Rarely found in high numbers in home gardens; feeding damage is primarily cosmetic. Physical removal should be the only necessary control.
