[Adastra] Mystery beetle

[MichaelBlencowe at aol.com]

Hey Sarah,
 
I'm not a betting man, but I'm putting my money on  Bordered Tortoise  Beetle 
Cassida vittata. 
Certainly an internet search throws up some images of similar looking  
suspects; but just how relaible internet image searches are is open to  question.
 
Seems C. vittata are rare inland but known from a  variety of coastal 
habitats. Where did you find him?
 
 
After a long day rummaging in the undergrowth I found a Cassida vibex 
recently. 
 
Nothing special, but new to me. My moment of glory was short lived,  however, 
as my girlfriend, who was preparing the tea, presented me with another  
Tortoise Beetle, Cassida  nobilis,  which she had found in a bag of potatoes. A 
lovely gold  species which, it would seem, is rather rare.
 
She'll probably be finding a Tengmalm's Owl in the microwave  next.
 
Michael