Dogbane Beetle

Chrysochus auratus

Description:

Dogbane beetles are iridescent blue-green with metallic copper coloring on their front wings. The legs and antennae are dark blue. They have long, 12-jointed antennae.

Habitat:

I spotted these beetles in a meadow at Boyd Audubon.

Notes:

Dogbane beetles are named for the Dogbane plants that they frequently eat. Dogbane plants contain chemicals called cardenolides, which are bitter and toxic to other insects. Dogbane beetles are adapted to be able to eat and store these chemicals in their bodies, which helps to protect them from predators.