Tortoise leaf beetles

Tortoise leaf beetles (Coleoptera: Cassidinae) are herbivorous insects found on various plants, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. They are important to study because they exhibit a range of interesting ecological and evolutionary traits, including mimicry, camouflage, symbioses, and specialised herbivory. Their interactions with host plants provide insight into plant-insect-microbe coevolution, while their ability to adapt to different environmental pressures makes them excellent models for evolutionary biology. Additionally, some species are agricultural pests, offering opportunities for applied research into pest control. Understanding their behaviour, life cycles, and adaptations contributes to broader entomology, ecology, and conservation knowledge, highlighting their ecological significance and role in maintaining biodiversity.

Max Planck for Biology Tübingen maintains six species on campus, where they are housed under controlled conditions in the greenhouse and climate chambers.