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

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.
Photos of Pachybrachis bivittatus (5)
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 )
FROM LOOKING IT UP TO GETTING TO KNOW IT
Make sense of the bugs at home.50 household bug profiles for you. Photos, coloring, and activities for curious kids.





