Clerodendron Beetle
Chrysomelinae
Observed on a Clerodendron sp. west of Eldoret, Kenya, April 2013. Length is about 9 mm.
Clerodendron
The immature stage of this beetle is a caterpillar-like grub that feeds on the leaves of a Clerodendron sp. and like the adult it is brightly colored. Clearly these conspicuous insects are not hiding from birds and reptiles that normally make a meal of any insect found. Their defense against being eaten is instead toxic chemicals. For many insects, possibly including these, the toxic compound comes from the plants they eat. Red serves as a warning to the birds about the toxic qualities.
In the photo at left two males are competing for the larger female at the bottom.
