I didn't realize Pyropyga lacked the dark lateral margins, and I could not find a photo Ellychnia lacustris, so it was sort of a shot in the dark. I look forward to accumulating some good books on insect identification, that should help a little, at least.

Thanks again for the ID!

that's what i suspected

I did think it looked a little like a tiny soldier fly, I will have to look up Luciodota, since I'm not sure what they are. I did come up with a fairly exact measurement, though. I have to revise my 6mm down to 4mm.

(I did that by focusing on a ruler, since I was at maximum focus on both objects the scale should be the same for the ruler as for the insect).

I was amazed by the similarity. The size seems very different, though, the guide page giving a range of 8 to 11mm. I am determined to go by at night and see if I can see any that are glowing. Years ago I lived in Fallschurch, VA. and I was amazed when I saw fireflies for the first time (not the black kind). I always imagined they would be a disappointment, but not to a 15 year old from California! I was pretty impressed by them. They were much larger than this one, and made quite a display.

...These black fireflies? Will they be obvious at night?

As to range, it looks like it would be very odd if one were in California. And given the size I am not too hopeful. I have seen click beetles in this same bush, so there may be something related that is a look alike.

I am not an authority on insects, but based on its size, and the shape of the pronotum (semi-elliptical, and less rounded) it seems like the only viable candidate is E. lacustris!

There does not appear to be a guide page for this species as yet...

Thanks, again, Ray for pointing me in the right direction!