There were several of these beetles along with spotted cucumber beetles occupying a goldenrod bloom. These beetles showed no inclination to move even when prodded and if bothered too much they simply fell straight to the ground in spite of having obvious wings.
The last two photos were taken several days later.
Orange eyes and concave plastron make this guy a ...well a guy. He has very bold, striking markings (particularly the very cool markings on his head...I never got to see his legs as I gave up on watching him after about 20 min) ...quite a lovely ...err...handsome fellow. He looks similar to the default photo of ornata and I am not yet entirely sure it he is eastern or ornate.
