It’s really bugging me, but does anyone know what this beetle is called?
Is it maybe Buprestis aurulenta? Or?
It was lying dead on my deck. I’m on Vancouver Island, so if you want to check it out the I.D. of the beetle, you’ll have an idea of the area where this bug was found.
The greenish-blue colours of the wings are gorgeous, as is the coppery underbelly. What an amazing outfit it’s wearing.
I welcome any suggestions if anyone knows what it is.
It’s about a little over an inch long.
What do you think it might be?
April 23, 2023 at 12:34 pm
As far as I can tell with a quick search for beetles on Vancouver Island, the bug could be a Jewel Beetle.
https://www.insectidentification.org/insect-description.php?identification=Jewel-Beetle
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April 23, 2023 at 12:37 pm
It sure looks like the one in the link, John. The part of the name (bupestris) matches my guess too.
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April 23, 2023 at 12:39 pm
That’s cool, bugs are creepy! But very much a part of the environment. ☺️
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April 23, 2023 at 12:49 pm
Generally I don’t care for bugs, but some are rather special.
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April 23, 2023 at 12:41 pm
My PictureThis app, which has expanded from flowers to trees, insects, birds, and such, also identified it as Buprestis aurulenta. Do you use BugGuide? Once I have a tentative ID, I often send a photo over to those fine folks for confirmation. They can be a little slow, but there are a lot of experts who volunteer time, and with insects it’s more satisfying than iNaturalist (at least, in my experience).
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April 23, 2023 at 12:48 pm
No, I haven’t used it, but I’ve bookmarked it now to check it out. Thanks, Linda.
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April 23, 2023 at 12:49 pm
I think this is the guy you are looking for Anneli. Allan https://bugguide.net/node/view/772735/bgimage
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April 23, 2023 at 12:50 pm
Yes! You and Linda (shoreacres) have found it. John’s finding is very similar.
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April 23, 2023 at 1:07 pm
Not a clue, but it’s pretty enough for a cameo in my next book.
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April 23, 2023 at 1:24 pm
Can’t wait!
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April 23, 2023 at 1:20 pm
DID YOU GET THE NAME ? We have had these beauty bugs since 1990’s when we moved to Island.
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April 23, 2023 at 1:25 pm
Yes, I’ve seen them before, but I never had one land on my deck, so “in my face” saying put me in your blog. Buprestis aurulenta seems to be correct.
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April 23, 2023 at 1:51 pm
Initially, I found it challenging to differentiate between Buprestis intricata and Buprestis aurulenta due to their resembling body shapes and metallic coloration. However, examining the elytron or wing covers closely has helped me confirm that it is Buprestis aurulenta. Buprestis aurulenta displays 5 widely spaced ridges on each elytron, whereas Buprestis intricata has about 10 ridges on each elytron. BTW, Buprestis aurulenta is a type of beetle that is known for its beautiful metallic coloration, so it’s a shame to see it in this state. If you have a way to dispose of the beetle, it might be best to do so.
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April 23, 2023 at 5:47 pm
Thanks for your detailed info – but when I clicked on your blog, it says your site doesn’t exist. Can you explain?
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April 23, 2023 at 6:05 pm
My commenting on individual blogs is done through my WordPress account, whereas my blogging is done using my Blogger account. My profile picture, accessible through Gravatar, provides a link to the Blogger account.
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April 23, 2023 at 6:37 pm
Okay, I think I came across the blogspot page after a few more clicks. Thanks.
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April 23, 2023 at 4:28 pm
Not sure, Anneli, but it’s beautiful.
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April 23, 2023 at 5:44 pm
Thanks for checking in, Lynette.
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April 23, 2023 at 4:56 pm
What a beauty! I love the metallic colors in this little guy.
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April 23, 2023 at 5:44 pm
I’d love to have a dress made of those colours.
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April 24, 2023 at 12:06 am
Very exotic looking beetle and very beautiful as well.
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April 24, 2023 at 6:53 am
I’m sure that in the bug world, he would be in a fancy fashion show.
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April 24, 2023 at 1:56 am
What a stunningly beautiful little creature – photographed with your usual care and ability. Most of the time we’re too ‘busy’ to be aware of the wonders like this whose world we share. We flick them off the backs of our hands without a second look.
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April 24, 2023 at 6:52 am
So true, how we often forget to notice the little (and so beautiful) pasts of nature. Nice to see you here, Jeff. Hope you’re doing fine.
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April 24, 2023 at 1:33 pm
When it comes to bugs – I’m out! But it looks like you got your answer. That color is amazing. For a bug, that is. 😉
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April 24, 2023 at 2:40 pm
I’m surprised you were able to live in Florida with the crawly things they have. Good reason to move back home.
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April 24, 2023 at 2:41 pm
Yep!
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April 24, 2023 at 3:48 pm
You’re much braver than I am.
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April 24, 2023 at 7:26 pm
Umm, no I’m not braver. I hated the bugs. I probably wouldn’t have gotten close enough to take that picture of the beetle. Maybe, since it was dead, but doubtful. 😝
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April 24, 2023 at 4:38 pm
Anneli, it seems like you got your answer from the comments. All I can add is that it’s really pretty and Jewel beetle suits it beautifully. ❤
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April 24, 2023 at 5:34 pm
Thanks, Carol. I like the colours too.
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May 8, 2023 at 8:08 am
Interesting! However, my knowledge of bugs is rather limited. Nature enjoys surprising us once in awhile.
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