Leaf Beetle (Family Chrysomelidae), larva, taken July 3, 2026, in New Hampshire, US
A ridiculously rotund beetle larva clinging to the underside of a leaf, probably hoping I won't bother it! Luckily for this individual, I took my couple photos and left, leaving it no worse for wear. This short, rounded larval form seems to be quite popular in insects. I've seen it in leaf beetles, ladybugs, and some butterflies so far, though I wouldn't be surprised if more took on this shape. I wonder what advantage being so squished has other than extra cuteness factor, maybe mimicking the shape of a parasitic wasp pupa?



















