Gold Ladybug
The gold ladybug is actually the golden tortoise beetle that is native to the Americas. They are variable in color from reddish-brown with black spots through gold, and often metallic, earning it the nickname “gold bug”.
The color changes through its development, during mating, and during times of disturbance, such as when it is touched by a human. Scientists have not examined the color-change mechanism in this species. However, the color change is suspected to occur when this beetle’s elytra hydrate and dehydrate. Adults can turn from shiny gold to reddish-brown when disturbed.
Having discovered a fondness for insects while pursuing her degree in Biology, Randi Jones was quite bugged to know that people usually dismissed these little creatures as “creepy-crawlies”.
