These little Palmetto Tortoise Bettle Larva undergo metamorphosis. They start as a segmented cluster of eggs that look like a tangled mess. They then enter the larval stage, progress to a pupal stage, and then become adults. During the pupal stage, they create an umbrella out of dead cells and feces. It’s held on by what is called anal forks. These beetles also create an oil that helps them suction to leaves with force up to 60 times its own weight. This prevents most predators except the wheel bug from eating them.
