Their thoracic legs are short and thick, and unlike many chrysomelids they lack an anal proleg. The color of the larva is yellowish to reddish-brown. There are three larval instars. Larvae mature in 14-21 days. The mature larvae attach themselves to leaves by their anal end, and pupate.
Pupae are brownish in color.
As is the case with larvae, the pupae bear spines. The fecal material and other debris carried by the larval stage may also remain attached to the pupa. The pupae measure 5-8 mm in length. Duration of the pupal stage is usually seven to 14 days. The adult beetles are distinctive in that the margins of the prothorax and elytra are expanded, largely concealing the head and appendages.