Pic of the Day: Iridescent beetle

From Garden photos

From Garden photos

I found this amazing iridescent green beetle in my garden today. I couldn’t get any shots that captured how brilliant the shell was. It looked like a flying jewel.

Update: Regular reader Michael correctly identified it as a Figeater Beetle. I never saw one on the fig tree at my old place, so I didn’t know about these little guys!

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I think that’s a “Fig Eater Beetle”. Figeater Beetles are native to California and other southwestern states. Adult Figeaters feed off of soft fruits such as grapes, figs, and fruits that are overly ripe or damaged. They will also eat leaves and flowers.

I was afraid of those beetles when I was a kid because they’re so big! Now, I appreciate it whenever I see one flying near me, because they’re such beautiful insects… and it’s also fun to watch them buzz and bumble around!