Knowledgebase

Beetles in Ocean City MD #256788

Asked June 24, 2015, 2:33 PM EDT

Thousands of these beetles are devouring the leafy vines in Northside Park, Ocean City, MD, would you be able to help me IDing them? My initial thought is that they are Mexican Bean Beetles. Thanks in advance!

Worcester County Maryland

Expert Response

It would be helpful to let us know what type of vine this beetle is feeding on. This looks like a type of leaf beetle but we are sending photos to an expert from the MDA for an accurate identification.
mh
Answered by the Home & Garden Information Center's Maryland Certified Professional Horticulturists Replied June 25, 2015, 11:04 AM EDT
This beetle, through further research appears to be a "Chelymorpha cassidea" aka Argus Tortoise Beetle, see http://bugguide.net/node/view/6911

I have attached additional images with the vines the are devouring.
The Question Asker Replied June 25, 2015, 12:37 PM EDT
We looked at it as a possibility.  The initial pictures you sent did not look like this.  The above beetle feeds on morning glory and bindweed. This looks like it probably is the above beetle. 
mh
Answered by the Home & Garden Information Center's Maryland Certified Professional Horticulturists Replied June 25, 2015, 1:01 PM EDT
Thank you for confirming the species!

I have bookmarked UME H & G Info Center and subscribed to the newsletter.

I am a photographer, and the Ocean City area wildlife is a project of mine that I'm working on, if I may assist, in any way, anything you have going on in this area, please do not hesitate to let me know

Bob

Robert J Banach
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https://www.facebook.com/bob.robertjbanach

The Question Asker Replied June 25, 2015, 1:32 PM EDT

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