described as “the ultimate in recycling” by Thomas Eisner, fecal shields are probably the most unique method of insect self defense - used by beetles family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as leaf beetles.
I found this larva with a particularly ornate example feeding on some type of morning glory back in August



3 responses so far ↓
tcmacrae // December 26, 2008 at 12:13 am
Photo 3 is spectacular!
cicindela // December 26, 2008 at 12:53 am
Thanks Ted – your “new” blog looks great!
Caught in the Bug Net: 12.30.08 « Bug Girl’s Blog // December 30, 2008 at 11:21 am
[...] photos of fecal shields (really!) at Cicindela. You’ve never seen such beautiful [...]