Metallic wood-boring beetles are commonly called “jewel beetles” because of their shiny, iridescent colors. This particular “jewel” ranges across western North America (California-New Mexico-Manitoba-British Columbia). Adults are usually seen gleaming in the sun on tree trunks, logs, foliage, or flowers. Larvae bore through the wood of dead and dying Douglas-Fir, leaving behind meandering etchings and powdery frass (dried poop).
Photo by: James Petersen on 8/4/21 in Ovando, MT