A dazzling jewel in the world of insects. The Dogbane Leaf Beetle (Chrysochus auratus). As you might guess because of its name, the Dogbane Leaf Beetle depends to a great extent on the many species of Apocynaceae, the Dogbane family. Not a difficult task, since there are 4,555 species in that family, which includes Milkweed plants. This particular jewel of a beetle lives on and eats Dogbane and Milkweed.

As the beetle eats Dogbane and Milkweed plants, it takes in poisonous cardiac glycosides, and releases the nasty chemicals when threatened by predators. With its jewel like colors it is advertising that it is not to be messed with. This warning strategy is called aposematism, something that is used by many insects and other animals.

Native to eastern North America. The “auratus” of its scientific name is from the Latin “aureus” which translates to decorated with gold. That seems appropriate.