Cassidines

Cassidines are a subfamily of the leaf beetle family Chrysomelidae. This subfamily is characterized by a flattened and often broadly oval body shape, with the pronotum and elytra typically expanded laterally. This expansion gives many cassidines a shield-like appearance, hence their common name, tortoise beetles. The dorsal surface is often highly sculptured, and some species exhibit remarkable metallic or iridescent colors, which can change with the angle of light. A distinctive feature of many cassidine larvae and some adults is the presence of specialized appendages, often referred to as a "parasol" or "scalp" structure. This structure is used to hold shed exoskeletons or excrement, which may serve to deter predators. Cassidines are found worldwide, inhabiting a variety of terrestrial environments. Their larvae and adults are herbivorous, feeding primarily on the leaves of plants, with many species exhibiting host plant specificity. The subfamily contains a large number of genera and species, and their taxonomy is subject to ongoing research and revision.