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Megetra vittata

Megetra vittata

The Megetra vittata is a colorful insect that loves to hang out on plants. With its bright colors, it can be a fun surprise to find while exploring nature!

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The Megetra vittata is a small, oval-shaped beetle with a flattened body resembling a miniature tortoise shell. It has a striking metallic gold or greenish sheen with distinct black longitudinal stripes on its elytra. Its translucent edges give it a unique, almost jewel-like appearance.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderColeopteraFamilyMeloidaeGenusMegetra
Megetra vittata
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Megetra vittata

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Some tortoise beetle larvae wear their old skins and frass as a 'fecal shield' for defense!

Their tiny claws help them cling tightly to leaves, even in windy weather!

This beetle is named after its tortoise-like shape, making it a living jewel!

When disturbed, they can pull their legs and antennae completely under their shell!

Special abilities

Ability

Shell Shield

Megetra vittata has a wide, flattened shell-like body that helps them hide from predators by blending with leaves.

Ability

Color Change Camo

Megetra vittata can sometimes change the color of its metallic shell because of fluid movement, helping them adapt.

Ability

Sticky Secret

Megetra vittata lays its eggs in protective sticky cases because this helps them stay safe on plant leaves.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
25-35 mm
Size
12-18 mm
Lifespan
30-90 days
Flight Speed
5-10 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

This beetle munches on leaves as both a larva and an adult, specializing in certain plants.

Primary Foods

  • Sweet potato leaves
  • Morning glory leaves
  • Field bindweed
  • Ipomoea species

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

Sweet Potato

Ipomoea batatas

Adults and larvae consume its leaves.

eats

Field Bindweed

Convolvulus arvensis

Feeds on the foliage of this common weed.

parasitizes

Tortoise Beetle Parasitoid Wasp

Eulophus ricanus

Lays its eggs inside the beetle's eggs.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always look but don't touch insects unless you know they are safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Megetra vittata's wingspan?

25-35 mm

How big is Megetra vittata?

12-18 mm

How long does Megetra vittata live?

30-90 days

How fast can Megetra vittata fly?

5-10 km/h

What does Megetra vittata eat?

This beetle munches on leaves as both a larva and an adult, specializing in certain plants.

Where is Megetra vittata usually found?

Urban areas

How does Megetra vittata hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Megetra vittata have?

6

Snap Map

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Recent Snaps

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Where to spot

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