Does anyone know what this is?

[Joe24]

Does anyone know what type of bug this is?

[imafan26]

Is it alive? It looks like it has been mumified, which would actually be a good thing.

[GardeningCook]

Where are you located & what type of plant is this on?

[mahniah]

This looks like it's a Clavate Tortoise beetle because it looks a little like a turtle. I had them in my garden several years ago and just picked them off the leaves and dropped them in a bucket of soapy water. I never saw them after that year, so I guess they're pretty easy to get rid of.

[applestar]

Agree it's a tortoise beetle. The one you showed has clear edges and dark black/brownish center. They are pests but not a serious one unless you have an outbreak. I just pick them off like @mahniah.

There is a related, slightly smaller tortoise beetle with liquid gold shell -- beautiful. I posted a photo of it once or twice before.

Even though they are also plant eating pests, I usually leave them alone. I just can't bring myself to destroy them.

[applestar]

Subject: Anyone ever seen a shiny gold bug >>
Metriona bicolor, family Chrysomelidae

I FOUND THEM!
I took pics too but didn't label or keyword them so it took forever to find! They were from July. Thanks for the bug ID -- now I can correctly label these photos. This one was on a Moonflower leaf (Ipomoea alba) - also in the morning glory family. (You can click on the photos to see them full-size)


A Drop of Gold on a Leaf?


Incredible Jewel Closeup

[GardeningCook]

That's beautiful! Reminds me of one of those Egyptian Scarab beetle jewels/decorations.