Pachybrachis atomarius
This record describes Pachybrachis atomarius (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Dark brown or black, irregularly mottled with yellow or dirty yellow; luster dull. Frons of males often yellow with inverted dark Y, branches of which arise from antennal bases. |
| Eyes | Eyes not prominent. |
| Pronotum | Pronotum often with median anterior yellow vitta. |
| Elytra | Elytra dark brown with small dirty yellow spots. Pygidium entirely black. |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cryptocephalinae
- Tribe
- Cryptocephalini
- Genus
- Pachybrachis (Scriptured Leaf Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. NA to AB (OK-FL-QC-AB) - Map
Seasonal Activity
May-July (in AL)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pachybrachis atomarius. 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 Pachybrachis atomarius (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pachybrachis atomarius
What is Pachybrachis atomarius?
Pachybrachis atomarius is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pachybrachis atomarius?
Length 2.5-3.2 mm
How do you identify Pachybrachis atomarius?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Dark brown or black, irregularly mottled with yellow or dirty yellow; luster dull. Frons of males often yellow with inverted dark Y, branches of which arise from antennal bases. |
| Eyes | Eyes not prominent. |
| Pronotum | Pronotum often with median anterior yellow vitta. |
| Elytra | Elytra dark brown with small dirty yellow spots. Pygidium entirely black. |
Where is Pachybrachis atomarius found?
Range: e. NA to AB (OK-FL-QC-AB) - Map
When is Pachybrachis atomarius active?
Pachybrachis atomarius: seasonal activity - May-July (in AL).