The Tortoise Beetle
The Golden Tortoise Beetle (Charidotella sexpunctata bicolor) is a small, common North American beetle. Most of the time it's an iridescent gold, but when it is disturbed, the beetle alters the reflectivity of its exoskeleton and changes color from gold to red, with ladybug-like markings.
The secret behind the trick is in the microscopic valves which control moisture levels under the shell. Other species of Charidotella are also able to do this (here is a video of one slowly changing color).
Additional information and photos can be found here, and here.
*Note: photos depict different species. Wikimedia didn't have a photo of a disturbed C. sexpunctata.
The secret behind the trick is in the microscopic valves which control moisture levels under the shell. Other species of Charidotella are also able to do this (here is a video of one slowly changing color).
Additional information and photos can be found here, and here.
*Note: photos depict different species. Wikimedia didn't have a photo of a disturbed C. sexpunctata.