Blue Milkweed Beetle
Chrysochus cobaltinus
This record describes Chrysochus cobaltinus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Eumolpinae
- Tribe
- Eumolpini
- Genus
- Chrysochus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
w.NA (BC‒CA to MT‒NM)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: usual hosts are spp. of Milkweed ( Asclepias spp., Asclepiadaceae), also reported from Oleander ( 3 )
Life History
Larvae are obligate root feeders; adults feed on leaves of larval host plants. Females are highly polyandrous, males engage in extended periods of post-copulatory mate guarding.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Chrysochus cobaltinus LeConte 1857
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Chrysochus cobaltinus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Blue Milkweed Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Bbarnd , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Blue Milkweed Beetle
How big is Blue Milkweed Beetle?
6.5–11.5 mm
Where is Blue Milkweed Beetle found?
Range: w.NA (BC‒CA to MT‒NM)
What does Blue Milkweed Beetle eat?
The diet of the Blue Milkweed Beetle includes usual hosts are spp. of Milkweed ( Asclepias spp., Asclepiadaceae), also reported from Oleander ( 3 ).
What is the life cycle of a Blue Milkweed Beetle?
Larvae are obligate root feeders; adults feed on leaves of larval host plants. Females are highly polyandrous, males engage in extended periods of post-copulatory mate guarding.