Dogbane Beetle

Dogbane Beetles are arguably one of the most beautiful beetles found in Ohio. Their light-blending artistry makes these shimmering living gems stand out on the dark green foliage of their namesake host. Male and female beetles are identical in size and shimmering luster.

The dogbane beetle's (Chrysochus auratus, family Chrysomelidae) light-blending artistry makes it one of the most beautiful beetles found in Ohio. These shimmering living gems usually show-up in southwest Ohio in late June to early July. I always connect their arrival to the 4th of July.

I post a BYGL Alert each year about Dogbane Beetles because the beetle's light-blending artistry makes it one of the most beautiful beetles found in Ohio. Enjoying these shimmering living gems on their namesake host is the entomology equivalent to "stop and smell the roses."

This is the time of the year when a close look at dogbane may reveal Dogbane Beetles; one of the most beautiful beetles found in Ohio. Indeed, the beetle's scientific name, Chrysochus auratus, loosely translates to "made of gold." This native beetle should be familiar to BYGL readers; it's one of my favorite insects and I post at least one report about it each year!

Earlier today, I came across one of the most beautiful beetles found in Ohio.  The beetle lacks a common name, but is generally referred to as the "Dogbane Beetle" because it primarily feeds on dogbane.  The beetle's scientific name is Chrysochus auratus, which loosely translates to "made of gold."  Indeed, these beautiful iridescent beetles may look like gleaming spots of gold on the leaves of dogbane, or they may blaze with an array of other shimmering colors depending on your angle to the beetle.  A slight change in viewing angle will cause the beetles to glisten with multiple...