Rosemary Beetle Chrysolina americana

This metallic-shelled leaf beetle takes its name from its favorite food—rosemary. Like other members of the Chrysomelidae family, it likely displays the brilliant iridescence common to its relatives, with colors that shimmer between green and purple depending on the light. What makes this species special is its specialization: while many beetles are generalists, this one has become an expert at living on aromatic plants. Its jeweled appearance and narrow focus make it a botanical specialist worth knowing.