Pleasing Fungus Beetle or Cypherotylus californicus

1.5x, f5.6
Purple is one of the least common colors in nature. This beetles color is likely due to the complexity and rarity of molecules that create the color purple/blue color, as well as the fact that the pigments that form purple/blue are found more in high saline-alkaline environments. These alkaline environments are difficult for most organisms to thrive in, so there are fewer numbers of animals that actually can be purple/blue. Pleasing fungus beetles lose their bright hue shortly after death, so apparently pigments are what produce their purple/blue hue. https://www.rainforestexpeditions.com/purple-pleasing-fungus-beetle/

The name Pleasing Fungus Beetle came from the food they eat and are generally found where various fungi are present. “The pleasing fungus beetle is found locally in stands of Ponderosa pine, (the largest Ponderosa pine stand is in northern Arizona) and aspen, especially near bracket fungi that grow on rotting logs. Adult beetles lay their eggs and once hatched, the larvae feast on the bracket fungi. Adult beetles are shiny black with blue or purple elytra (hardened wing covers) with black dots. This shiny cuticle or exoskeleton is waterproof thanks to the components of this natural composite...” (Genius of Place Report, City of Boulder OSMP)