The Luminous Dogbane Beetle (Chrysochus auratus)
Meet the Dogbane Beetle (Chrysochus auratus), the tiny, iridescent specialist insect that we spoke about briefly over on our Facebook post today . Photo Credit WanderingMogwai Belonging to the family Chrysomelidae, this striking beetle is native to the eastern United States, where it can be found in various habitats ranging from meadows to forests. Despite its small size, typically measuring around 8-11 mm in length, the Dogbane Beetle commands attention with its metallic golden or bronze-colored exoskeleton. One of the most fascinating aspects of the Dogbane Beetle lies in its dietary habits. As its name suggests, this beetle has a particular affinity for plants belonging to the Dogbane family (Apocynaceae). Among these, the Dogbane plant (Apocynum cannabinum) is a favored delicacy. Larvae of the dogbane beetle will typically feed on the roots of the plants while adults will feed on the leaves of the pla...
