Unidentified blue beetle

[SteveF48]

Please can anyone identify this beetle, which was spotted in our field in East Kent on Monday (16th March 2009)? It's about 5mm long and was wandering about on the Lords & Ladies (Arum maculatum).

I have an idea what it is, but would like confirmation please.

[Paul mabbott]

I think it's an Oulema of which O. melanopus is the common British species. However there are similar species (e.g. O. rufocyanea, formerly O. duftschmidti) and some confusion amongst them (or, at least, amongst me .... ). Perhaps someone else can give you a clearer understanding.

[oxycera]

The Coleopterist carried an article a few years ago. Genitalia job. I have no recent info.

[SteveF48]

Thanks for the ID. I haven't seen the beetle again so can't examine its genetalia