This is a large and visually striking leaf beetle belonging to the family Chrysomelidae, characterized by a robust, dorsoventrally flattened body measuring between 28 and 38 millimeters in length. Its most diagnostic feature is the vivid coral-red or bright orange ground color of its elytra, which contrast sharply with four large, rounded black spots—two positioned basally and two apically—giving the species its specific name. The head and pronotal shield are typically black or deep dark red, and the antennae are thick, serrated, and solid black. The legs are stout and equipped with strong tarsal claws, specifically adapted for grasping the slippery, fibrous surfaces of palm fronds.

Geographical distribution: It is widely distributed across the tropical and subtropical regions of South America. Its presence is highly documented throughout central and southern Brazil (particularly in states like Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Paraná, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul), northeastern Argentina (mostly in the Misiones province), Paraguay, and northern Uruguay. Its range is strictly determined by the geographic availability and distribution of its host palm species.

Habitat: This insect primarily inhabits the Atlantic Forest biome, but it also successfully colonizes transition zones such as the Cerrado, gallery forests, and highly anthropized environments. These urban and semi-urban settings include public parks, residential gardens, and commercial palm plantations, meaning its ecological niche is exclusively restricted to areas with a high density of plants in the Arecaceae family, whether they are native or ornamental.

Feeding: It is a highly specialized phytophagous species that feeds exclusively on palms. Adults consume the foliar tissue of mature and young leaves, chewing characteristic longitudinal grooves along the leaflets. The larvae, however, are far more destructive; they feed on the tender tissues of the apical bud (heart of palm) and the bases of developing fronds. Among its primary hosts is the queen palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana), though it also targets species of the genus Butia and various other exotic ornamental palms.

Behavior: It exhibits predominantly diurnal activity patterns. Adults are typically active during the warmest hours of the day, crawling slowly over the surface of palm leaves, though they are capable of strong flight when searching for new host plants or mates. In contrast, the larvae lead a highly cryptic lifestyle, remaining hidden deep within the leaf axils or inside the central bud. They surround themselves with a mucilaginous secretion and fecal matter, creating a microenvironment that prevents dehydration and deters potential predators.

Reproduction: The reproductive cycle begins during the warm spring and summer months with courtship and mating on the palm leaves. Females deposit their eggs singly or in small clusters near the base of the petioles or within the protective leaf sheaths. Upon hatching, the flattened, yellowish-white larvae feed voraciously on the surrounding plant tissue. After completing several larval instars, pupation takes place within the same sheltered microhabitat. The larvae construct a primitive pupal cell made of chewed palm fibers, emerging as adults after several weeks.

Conservation status: This species is currently not evaluated (NE) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Because of its extensive geographic distribution, ability to thrive in urbanized environments, and its role as a minor agricultural and ornamental pest in palm plantations, it does not face any immediate conservation threats, and its population trends remain stable.