1 tortoise beetle | Definition of tortoise beetle
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tortoise beetle

noun

Definition of tortoise beetle

: any of various chrysomelid beetles (subfamily Cassidinae) with leaf-eating larvae

Examples of tortoise beetle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Larvae of Chelymorpha alternans, commonly known as tortoise beetles, shroud themselves for protection with fecal coverings in the form of coatings, fecal cases or fecal shields. — Prayan Pokharel, Smithsonian, "How Insect Poop Could Solve All Our Problems," 17 Aug. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tortoise beetle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of tortoise beetle

circa 1711, in the meaning defined above

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More from Merriam-Webster on tortoise beetle

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tortoise beetle

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