Q:This critter was on the ground after I split a hickory log. Do you know what it is?

A: It’s a flat headed borer, the larva of a jewel beetle, in the insect family Buprestidae, also known as metallic wood borers. The colorful beetles are found around the world. Most bore into dead wood.

However, the invasive emerald ash borer, which has killed millions of trees in the mid-West, is an example of a harmful jewel beetle family member.

They pose no danger to humans.

Here’s an interesting article about male jewel beetles falling in love with a beer bottle.

For Love of a Bottle