Fireflies as I understand are not found in
the west and espescially not California.
Could this be a Firefly mimic or maybe
Diurnal fireflies have been recently
indroduced.

Ron, I like to find bugs along the extremities of the park, where things get a little wild and weedy, especially along the streams.

I'm a nature guide at the arboretum. We'll be open weekday evenings this summer, and we're planning some evening Bug Safari's. Hope to see you there!

So, do you know what this bug is?

I have limited familiarity with flower longhorns, and this doesn't look like one. I know less about fireflies, but think them more likely. In particular:

Hopefully, you'll get an expert ID. Personally, I haven't seen any fireflies around here, but have heard there are de-lighted species in California.

This is the very image that had me thinking it might be a firefly. Bummer if they don't light up, though. I was all ready to try to get one in a jar and see what happens after dark!

Visit relatives in DC! I do miss fireflies, from my boyhood in Ohio. Other SoCal insects apparently ave weird nocturnal habits. For instance, moths here don't come to lights. (One local expert does use scent or sound to attract them, though.)

Am familiar with Arboretum Tuesdays and hope to attend at least one.

Fire flies as I understand are not found in
the west and espescially not California.
-Unless recently introduced.