This leaf beetle was found during a bug hunt along the Clark Fork River. Shoutout to the students/bug hunters from Broadwater Elementary School, located in Helena! The beetle’s markings are described in its Latin name meaning “beautiful + writing.” You can take a closer look at one here. They are found on dogwoods (Cornus), their food source. In areas where there is a lot of dogwood, they can be found forming small colonies.
Size: 7-9 mm
Photo by: Brenna Shea on 6/3/22 in Missoula, MT