Dogbane Leaf Beetle Nature Walks with Mark Fraser

I am often amazed at the incredible colors that can be found within nature. Some species are actually colored in a jaw - dropping metallic iridescence. One of the best examples of that, has to be the Dogbane Leaf Beetle seen on this film! Like their names sake, they spend most of their entire lives feeding on the Dogbane and also on the milkweed plant. They will lay their eggs at the base of the host plant, and when the larvae hatch they will burrow in the soil feeding on the roots. As they reach their adult stage, they spend their lives feeding on the greenery in a world of beautiful iridescent beetles! There are many possible uses for their breathtaking coloration, the one I think is the most intriguing is communication. As they move about the metallic iridescent colors will change from glowing greens to reds and even bronze. They are another great example of the beauty of the natural world and truly amazing to admire. I'm Mark Fraser and to read up on more exciting adventures studying our incredible wild neighbors join me at http://www.naturewalkswithmark.org

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• Wildlife
• Nature
• Beetles
• metallic
• iridescence
• Insects
• eggs
• Milkweed
• Walks
• with
• Mark
• Fraser

[cjay123454]

they are beutiful bugs but the damn things need to stop eating my grape vines

[Daggawaggaboof]

It lives in the shrubbery.

[poopy4655]

You make the best videos about bugs! Im collecting them. I caught this beetle just like the beetle in the video, but i dont know what to feed it. Could you give me some tips? Thanks!

[jollypossu]

Find large photos of this beetle at

[isabeats]

Excellent. I've seen a hundred or so of these beautiful beetles at a time, in dogbane patches in old gravel pit fields.

[Killerspider762]

Great video!!! You make very good videos. With time, they will become VERY popular.

5*