Don, I thought I had seen all of the local insects at one time or another, but I have never seen that one. Fascinating. That clear covering over its back, or its "invisible shield", as Lynda called it, is really unusual. Has anyone else in the area ever seen this species before? Roger Mayhorn Compton Mt ----- Original Message ----- From: Don Carrier To: bcbirdclub@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Sent: Wednesday, June 17, 2009 6:41 AM Subject: [bcbirdclub] Not A Bird I thought you guys might enjoy seeing this insect it's a life bug for me (hehe). It's a Golden Tortoise Beatle and is about have the size of a lady bug. It caught my eye on one of our sweet potato plants. The picture doesn't really capture how brilliant the golden color appears. The neat thing is when you irritate the creature it turns orange. Don