This is the latest find to add to our nature books.  I can’t believe how beautiful it is – these pictures do not do it justice.  It is in the Borer Beetle family and my boys noticed right away how it moves its “neck” which we learned is how they tunnel through tree bark.  They are quite destructive which I wish I would have learned BEFORE it flew away.  Maybe next time we will add it to our bug collection. 

Drummond's Blue-footed Bup - Lampetis drummondi

Class: Hexapoda (including Insecta)
Order: Coleoptera
Family: Buprestidae "metallic wood borers"

            (in Europe they are refered to as "jewel beetles")

Genus: Lampetis

            lamp, -ad, =as, -s (G). Shine; torch
            -etes (G). Dwell; a dweller; one who

Adult beetles about 1 1/4 - 1 1/2 inches long.  Underside and legs are metallic blue while top is spotted green, gold and blue. 
Range:  Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana & Missouri
Adult Activity: May to November
Larval Hosts:  Mesquite, Guajillo, Pecan & Chinese Elm