The leaf beetles (family Chrysomelidae) generally have antennae 1/2 their body length or less, and are characterized by their bright metallic colors. The adult beetles feed on leaves and flowers; the larvae attack roots, eat leaves, or tunnel within them. Many beetles of this family are important agricultural pests. There are roughly 1,400 species in North America.

Habitat: Meadows and forest clearings, roadsides / Food: Dogbane and other members of the milkweed family / Life cycle: Yellow eggs are laid on the host plant or on the ground; larvae tunnel through soil to roots, feed, and pupate in soil.