The A. sanctaecrucis resembles the A. miliaris in size and in the anterior and posterior angles of the elytral explanate margin.

However, the prominent ridge and longitudinal depression between the humerus and scutellum at the base of the elytra makes A. sanctaecrucis unique compared to other species.

It has an explanate margin broader than the width of the elytral disc and a body length exceeding 15 mm making it the largest species of Aspidimorpha in Kerala, India.

[2] A. sanctaecrucis is well adapted for living in tropical environments, where rainfall is ample but unpredictable, and where food resources are available throughout the year.

The larvae and adults only feed on the peripheral margins of the lower surface of the leaf leaving holes of variable size.

This beetle group is considered to widely spread and is oftentimes found synonymous with populations of Aspidimorpha miliaris on I.

[6] A. sanctaecrucis can be found in southeastern Asia, from China and India to Indonesia.Females lay eggs at a constant rate during the reproductive period.

In ideal environments, A. sanctaecrucis experience extreme longevity despite suffering high egg mortality from parasitism from wasps.

The seminiferous tubule of the A. sanctaecrucis is required for sperm production which is made up of 5 stages in tortoise beetles.

[7] A. sanctaecrucis lays eggs in a paper substance (ootheca) underneath fully opened leaves in aggregates that remain there after hatching into larvae.

[8] In one study using Ipomoea carnea as a host plant, A. sanctaecrucis was observed to have a life cycle that ranged from 30 to 37 days under laboratory conditions.

[3] In a separate study that used Ipomoea Batatas as the host, A. miliaris, a coexisting species, was observed to have a life cycle of about one month.

[8] Parasitic wasps have also been found to surround ovipositing females and attack newly laid egg masses and pupae.

These bacteria lie in sac-like organs in adult tortoise beetles and in the foregut of larval A. sanctaecrucis where they produce pectinase.

[6] Heavy feeding from adult and larvae can lead to a significant reduction in yield, especially if defoliation occurs within the first two months.