Small Ladybug Like Beetle (Chrysomela)

Meta Mulder writes,

While walking next to the Tongass highway, I found a small beetle which I had previously thought was a type of ladybug but I am unsure of what species it is. I have done a small bit of research to try and find out what it is, but so far nothing. It has an orange and black pattern like that of a ladybug and the about size as well, but no white facial spots.

LEO says:

June 1, 2017, in Southcentral Alaska an observation about a similar insect was posted in the Whats That Bug, subject title lady beetle? by Jeanne, asking, "trying to identify this beetle in Southcentral Alaska. Same size as the famous ladybugs we all know, but an entirely different pattern." The response, "This is not a Lady Beetle. It is a Leaf Beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. We do not receive many identification requests from Alaska, and we always enjoy trying to identify insects from the far north." M. Tcheripanoff

This beetle might be a Leaf Beetle. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, this beetle "periodically attack(s) cottonwoods and willows in southeast Alaska during the summer." Damage to trees from leaf beetles will rarely kill or weaken the tree, although the damage may be unsightly. More information can be found on the U.S. Department of Agriculture Cottonwood Leaf Beetle species profile, which includes contact information for Forest Health Protection – State and Private Forestry in Anchorage and Juneau, AK. E. Mitchell

UAF Cooperative Extension Services Consult:

Jessie Moan, State IPM Technician writes; This is a leaf beetle in the genus Chrysomela. I don't know the exact species, but these type of leaf beetles are common on willows and poplars where they feed on leaves. Source: Alaska Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program, University of Fairbanks Alaska CES.