Dogbane Leaf Beetle

by Jacki
(Grand Forks, B.C. Canada)

This shiny rounded beetle is pretty innocuous - it finds scrumptious goodies in the grass, feeds on Dogbane and other milkweed plants and generally behaves itself. The larvae sometimes feed on roots of plants, occasionally on ornamental plants, but as they don't occur in huge numbers usually do no lasting damage.

These beetles hide if disturbed, and if caught secrete a foul smelling chemical to ward off predators.

For such a handsome shiny coated creature, their diaphanous red wings come as a bit of a shock. Nature is nothing if not fashion conscious.

For more beetles, see the Beetles page here.