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NO. 021Dogbane beetle illustrationIllustration · not shown at life size

Beetles / Insect

Dogbane beetle

Chrysochus auratus

AdultFind the right habitat

This leaf-eating beetle has a shiny coat of red and green. Look for it on dogbane plants.

Let’s look closer

Little clues

Three things to notice.

  1. Red-and-green metallic sheen.

  2. Rounded, domed wing covers.

  3. Feeds on dogbane leaves.

Out in the world

Where to look.

Around southeastern Wisconsin

Dogbane patches.

Look closely. Leave your tiny neighbor where you found it.

A closer look

One clue is just the start.

Try looking from another angle. The colors of the shell can shift in the light.

A special find can be hard to spot without being biologically rare. Encounters depend on season and habitat.

Keep exploring

Meet the neighbors.

For curious grownups, too

Read a little further.

Original summaries, with references for deeper reading. Field notes are being checked against the supplied research.

Make a creature disc

Artwork & downloads.

Drag a PNG image into xTool Studio, or use its download button. Images use the full-resolution files.

  • Dogbane beetle — Transparent front PNG

    Transparent front PNG

    76.2 mm canvas · white-outlined labels on a clear background

    021-front.png
    1800 × 1800 px

    Download PNG
  • Dogbane beetle — Relief depth PNG — prototype

    Relief depth PNG — prototype

    Matches this front · dark lettering 0.5 mm, outline 0.1 mm at 1 mm maximum

    021-height-disc.png
    1800 × 1800 px

    Download PNG
  • Dogbane beetle — Original artwork

    Original artwork

    Unmodified source PNG

    021-dogbane-beetle-v2.png
    1254 × 1254 px

    Download PNG

  • Editable front SVG

    Common & scientific names · finding clue · editable labels

    021-front.svg

    Download SVG

Front artwork is made for a 3-inch clear disc. Revised artwork still needs a physical check. Disc backs are blank; use the single carrier QR from the print studio to open the field guide.

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