ColeopteraChrysomelidae – Leaf Beetles

Pachybrachis bivittatus

This record describes Pachybrachis bivittatus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Pachybrachis bivittatus - Pachybrachis bivittatus
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn

the outer stripe rarely if ever continuous, and usually interrupted to form three spots, one or more of which may be lacking.

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

widely dist: CA-GA-QC-BC / Mex. - Map , uncommon in se US. "Abundant and widespread" per Fall , less common today (BG data)

Seasonal Activity

mostly: Jun-July (BG data)

Diet and Behavior

Diet: Salix spp. (Salicaceae), also reported to occur occasionally on Populus ( 5 )

Life History

larvae feed on the dead or dying Salix leaves that accumulate on the ground below the plants ( 5 )

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pachybrachis bivittatus. 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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Pachybrachis bivittatus (5)

Pachybrachis bivittatus - photo 1
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Pachybrachis bivittatus - photo 2
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Pachybrachis bivittatus - photo 3
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Pachybrachis bivittatus - photo 4
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Pachybrachis bivittatus - photo 5
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn

Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn

Frequently Asked Questions About Pachybrachis bivittatus

What is Pachybrachis bivittatus?

Pachybrachis bivittatus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.

How big is Pachybrachis bivittatus?

length 3.12 +/- 0.16 mm

How do you identify Pachybrachis bivittatus?

the outer stripe rarely if ever continuous, and usually interrupted to form three spots, one or more of which may be lacking.

Where is Pachybrachis bivittatus found?

Range: widely dist: CA-GA-QC-BC / Mex. - Map , uncommon in se US. Abundant and widespread per Fall , less common today (BG data)

What does Pachybrachis bivittatus eat?

The diet of the Pachybrachis bivittatus includes Salix spp. (Salicaceae), also reported to occur occasionally on Populus ( 5 ).

When is Pachybrachis bivittatus active?

Pachybrachis bivittatus: seasonal activity - mostly: Jun-July (BG data).

What is the life cycle of a Pachybrachis bivittatus?

larvae feed on the dead or dying Salix leaves that accumulate on the ground below the plants ( 5 )

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.