Meet The Golden Tortoise Beetle – Treasure With Legs (Video + 5 Pics)

Have you ever seen these little specs of gold with legs? These tiny treasures are called golden tortoise beetles (Charidotella sexpunctata). They look very similar to ladybird beetles and can be found feasting on all types of plants, all over the world. They get their funny name from their peculiar structure, specifically their hardened wing covers which protect its flying wings.

The golden tortoise beetle is common in North America and can often be found in backyards on plants such as sweet potato and morning glory. But golden tortoise beetles aren't always so golden. In fact, they can change color depending on the season or even their mood using the liquid beneath their transparent shell. Underneath the shell are three layers of cuticle, each covered in tiny nooks and crannies that appear smooth when covered with liquid, and reflect light perfectly like a mirror. But when a golden tortoise beetle is agitated or under attack from a predator, it contracts the spaces between the layers of cuticle and forces liquid out of the grooves — doing away with the iridescence and usually revealing a brownish-orange color.