Pastures, Gardens and House Lawn

A Gold Tortoise Shell Beetle and What it Likes to Visit

May 27, 2020 /
  • Charitodella sp.
  • Window into Duck Garden
  • Nasturtium
  • Borridge
  • Zinnia
  • Cosmo
  • Hubbard squash
  • Watermelon and squash
  • Red yardlong bean flower
  • Red yardlong beans
  • Taking flight
While checking the Banana Bed one recent morning I noticed a gold tortoise shell beetle flying between squash and sweet potato leaves, unable to make up its mind on which to snack first. I rarely ever see these, though they occur throughout much of the U.S. They are Chrysomelids, the same family in which ladybird beetles and metallic blue flea beetles are classified. These very occasional diners can do a number on your food garden leaves but not enough to make me jump into action as I will for other pests. I found the experience of catching and observing this iridescent “gold-leafed gem” so captivating that I let it fly off before remembering its potential as a pest.

Equally captivating was the sight of how lush and protected our blooming planted gardens have become in such a short time. The shaded permaculture gardens are well on their way and exceeding our expectations for the display of colors and amount of food we’re already getting.

As I handled the small beetle and watched it fly off I noticed its gold shine melting away to dull mahogany. Their clear exoskele-“shells” are transparent and multi-layered, and under duress they flood the laminates with fluid, temporarily stifling the reflective metallic optics to reveal a red and sometimes spotted mimicry of the un-tasty ladybird beetle. The iPhone is convenient and adequate for most things but I need to up my gear for these flight motion shots.

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James V. Freeman is an established visual artist (oil painting) with a deep interest in natural history, plants and farming. He has had numerous solo shows, a solo museum show, an upcoming museum show and his work has been featured in many publications to date. He currently has a studio in Williston, Fl at the family farm and homestead, "Cactus Island", and as a farmer, specializes in growing columnar cacti of the Caribbean and Gulf countries as well as the aquatic Madegascar Lace Plant. James and his mom Sharon manage and develop the permaculture homestead.

Cactus Island Nursery