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Acmaeodera tubulus
Buprestidae is a family of beetles, known as jewel beetles or metallic wood-boring beetles because of their glossy iridescent colors. The family is among the largest of the beetles, with some 15,000 species known in 450 genera. In addition, almost 100 fossil species have been described. The iridescence common to these beetles is not due to pigments in the exoskeleton, but instead physical iridescence in which microscopic texture in their cuticle selectively reflects specific frequencies of light in particular directions. This is the same effect that makes a compact disc reflect multiple colors. The larvae bore through roots, logs, stems, and leaves of various types of plants, ranging from trees to grasses.
Seen at Mason Farm Biological Preserve
Thanks, Anne Marie. That does look like it. I also have an ID request in to BugGuide, so hopefully it will be confirmed there, too. Appreciate your help!
I believe Anne Marie has nailed it. Looks like a metallic wood-boring beetle to me. Nice spot.
I just saw one of these over on Flickr - I remembered because it was in a yellow flower just like this one - must be a favorite of this beetle. The ID posted on Flickr checks out on BugGuide I think ...
Spotted on Apr 20, 2012
Submitted on May 10, 2012
