Subject: Green Metallic Bug
Geographic location of the bug: Washington state
Date: 08/06/2018
Time: 04:55 PM EDT
Your letter to the bugman: My son found this outside in our back yard. Is about 3/4″. Please help identify. We’ve never seen anything like this.
How you want your letter signed: Alicia Rinehart
Dear Alicia,
Your images perfectly exemplify why Beetles in the family Buprestidae are known as Jewel Beetles or Metallic Borer Beetles. We have identified your individual as the Western Cedar Borer, Trachykele blondeli, thanks to this image on BugGuide.
Thank you so much Daniel!
You are most welcome Alicia. This is only the second example we have posted of this gorgeous Jewel Beetle.
I have never seen one before. Any idea if they cause any damage to trees? I’m trying to find more information.
They are native, so they have natural predators. We have not read anything about them being a serious threat to trees.
I believe I came across a mass of these beetles in Oregon along the river. I have photos if they would be helpful to your site, feel free contact me.