What it looks like: The head and pronotum are usually metallic green with a little purple around the edges. The elytra, or wing covers, are a very iridescent metallic violet. The underside of the body is metallic green. The legs can be metallic green, violet, or blue. The pubescence is clear or colorless. These beetles are about 7-21mm long.

Where you'll find it: These beetles are mostly found in the central western parts of North America. They are found in a few spots in California such as Mono County, Tulare County, Inyo County, and Sonora Pass.

Natural History: The adult beetles have been reported to feed on a variety of plants including beans and beets.

This page was written by Marina Herrera, a 2005 participant in the Quasars to Sea Stars teen program.