Thistle Tortoise Beetle | Hainault Forest

Thistle Tortoise Beetle

Cassida rubiginosa

A green-bodied beetle (6-8mm) with brown markings on and around the scutellum. There are similar looking species; this one frequents rough grassland where Creeping Thistle grows. It is usually found sitting tightly close to the leaf and can easily be overlooked because it blends in well with the background. The specific name rubiginosa refers to the beetle's ability to produce a red liquid from the head.

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