Brachys howdeni
This record describes Brachys howdeni (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
Paratype
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Buprestoidea
- Family
- Buprestidae (Metallic Wood-boring Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Agrilinae
- Tribe
- Tracheini
- Genus
- Brachys
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
ME to MD to MI
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae mine leaves of trailing arbutus ( Epigaea repens , Ericaceae).
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Brachys howdeni Hespenheide, 2016
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Brachys howdeni. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Brachys howdeni (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Brachys howdeni
How do you identify Brachys howdeni?
Paratype
Where is Brachys howdeni found?
Range: ME to MD to MI
What does Brachys howdeni eat?
The diet of the Brachys howdeni includes Larvae mine leaves of trailing arbutus ( Epigaea repens , Ericaceae)..