Classification: | Kingdom: Animalia | Phylum: Arthropoda | Class: Insecta | Order: Coleoptera | Family: Chrysomelidae | Genus: Podontia |

The host plant of this beetle is Spondias dulcis (Golden Apple). A massive invasion of three Golden Apple shrubs by the beetle was seen in July 2012 along a cycling track. Another species, Podontia quatuordecimpunctata, also attacked the Golden Apple shrub. However, the hard wings (elytra) of P. quatuordecimpunctata are orange in colour [1].

When I last check the information of this beetle online in mid-August 2012, there is not a single photo available. There was an article dated back to 1978 that described this beetle found in Indonesia with yellow elytra [2].

The nymph is covered by a layer of dark brown slimy substance on its back as a way of camouflage to avoid detection by its predator. The slimy substance is thought to be faecal material. The side view of the nymph provides a better view of the position of the slimy substance.

Reference:

[1] Prathapan KD, Chaboo CS. Biology of Blepharida-group flea beetles with first notes on natural history of Podontia congregata Baly 1865, an endemic flea beetle from southern India (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae, Alticini). Zookeys 2011;157:95-130. | Read article |

[2] Scherer G. Podontia affinis (Grondal) a Polytypic Species (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Alticinae). Spixiana 1978;(3):275-280.