Common name : Eucalyptus tortoise beetle
Scientific name : Paropsis Charybdis
Family : Chrysomelidae
Native to : New Zealand
Interesting fact : This beetle is considered to be the worst pest for the Eucalyptus trees in New Zealand.
While there are over 125 genera of tortoise beetles, the eucalyptus tortoise beetle is found specifically feeding on Eucalyptus trees and has been introduced to other parts of the world, from New Zealand and Australia. The unique shape of the shell makes this beetle resemble a tortoise, hence the popular name ‘tortoise beetle’. Both the larvae and the adult in this species feed on the leaves of the Eucalyptus plants creating major defoliation issues in the region.
