Dogbane Beetle

Chrysochus auratus

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Chrysochus auratus: //ˈkrɪsoʊkəs ɔːˈreɪtəs//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Chrysochus auratus 1 by Jacy Lucier. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Chrysochus auratus - Dogbane Beetle (6881287554) by Ilona L from Wisconsin -- USA. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.
Chrysochus auratus P1520649a by xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Chrysochus auratus P1290822c by xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Dogbane beetle (Chrysochus auratus) (35736816433) by Andrew Weitzel from Lancaster, PA, USA. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.
Chrysochus auratus P1660177a by xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Summary

Chrysochus auratus, known as the dogbane beetle, is a leaf beetle predominantly found in eastern North America, primarily feeding on toxic dogbane plants. This species is notable for its iridescent coloration, adaptations to process plant toxins, and polygamous reproductive habits.

Physical Characteristics

Approximately 8 to 11 mm in length, oblong and convex shape, shiny iridescent blue-green color, bluish black undersurface, with two pairs of wings (copper-colored elytra and membranous hind wings).

Habitat

Primarily found in eastern North America, particularly on dogbane (Apocynum) plants and their associated environments.

Distribution

Transcontinental distribution ranging from the eastern United States (ME-WA to GA-AZ) into adjacent southern Canada, but not west of the Rocky Mountains except in certain hybrid zones.

Diet

Exclusively feeds on dogbane species, particularly Apocynum cannabinum and Apocynum androsaemifolium, as well as roots as larvae and leaves as adults.

Life Cycle

Undergoes one generation per year; larvae drop to the ground, feed on plant roots, pupate in soil, and emerge as adults in early summer.

Reproduction

Mates and lays eggs in summer on the underside of leaves, eggs are placed in masses covered with frass; no parental care except for surrounding eggs with fecal sac.

Ecosystem Role

Potential biological control for invasive dogbane species in agriculture.

Economic Impact

Considered for biological control of Apocynum (dogbane) which interferes with blueberry crops; however, does not effectively control Vincetoxicum rossicum.

Evolution

Interbreeds with Chrysochus cobaltinus in certain areas, resulting in hybrid zones, which is a recent development in distribution.

Similar Taxa

Tags

  • beetle
  • Chrysochus auratus
  • dogbane beetle
  • Coleoptera