Bark Gnawing Beetle

What’s this bug?
June 2, 2010
This bug was about an inch long and metallic blue, with purple, depending on how you looked at it. I can’t find what it is. Picture attached. Thanks!
Elizabeth
OK

Bark Gnawing Beetle

Hi Elizabeth,
We believe this is a Bark Gnawing Beetle in the genus Temnoscheila.  Surprisingly, we came to that conclusion very quickly while browsing BugGuide.  Despite the name, BugGuide also indicates that they are predators and states:  “Larger species can inflict a painful bite if handled carelessly.“

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