Metallic beetle (?)
Location: Gold Run, CA
August 28, 2011 7:32 pm
My husband thinks this is a bottlefly, but I told him I think only beetles have a carapace over the wings. Help!!! Bright metallic green abdomen, striped blue/green, yellow and red metallic carapace. Head missing, found in Sierra Nevada mountains north of Auburn, CA. THANKS AGAIN BUGMAN!
Signature: WBarker
Dear WBarker,
This is one of the Metallic Borer Beetles in the family Buprestidae. Some members of the family have bright metallic coloration leading to the common name Jewel Beetles. We believe we have identified your species as Buprestis gibbsii based on a few photos posted to BugGuide.