Leaf beetles (family Chrysomelidae) represent an incredibly massive and diverse group of insects. The tropical species, in particular, contrast sharply with their temperate relatives, generally being much larger and displaying far more vibrant colors. Among them is Platyphora, a genus of broad-shouldered leaf beetles characterized by their bright warning coloration—known as aposematism—and a potent chemical defense system. These beetles don’t produce their own toxins; instead, they harvest secondary metabolites from the specific host plants they consume throughout their lives. I spotted this striking individual walking slowly up a tree trunk in Yasuní National Park, Ecuador. Unfortunately, I was still struggling to master my camera settings at the time, and despite the beetle’s cooperative, slow pace, all of my shots turned out frustratingly dark and a bit blurry. 🙁