Pachybrachis brevicornis
This record describes Pachybrachis brevicornis (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Robust, yellow, with more or less heavy fuscous standard markings; eyes moderately distant, front with ocular lines; antennae unusually short; elytra strongly striate; front claws of male not appreciably enlarged. (Fall 1915) Elytra diffusely punctate in a not very large basal-sutural triangle, elsewhere with distinct striae which are rather strongly impressed laterally, the fifth and sixth more or less broken or irregular at middle, the eighth with a subbasal dislocation; marginal interspace impunctate; shield conspicuous, elongate triangular. The color may be described as yellow with more or less heavy confluent standard spots which vary from brown to nearly black; or as brown or blackish with the basal margin, some short spurs extending backward from it, two short interrupted lateral transverse fasciae, the shield, and the apex, yellow. (Fall 1915) Det. E. G. Riley, 2009 Type Locality: Tex
Wikipedia reference for Pachybrachis brevicornis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pachybrachis brevicornis.
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
Apparently endemic to Texas - Map
Seasonal Activity
Mar-May (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults collected from Mesquite - Prosopis glandulosa (Fabaceae) ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pachybrachis brevicornis Fall 1915
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pachybrachis brevicornis. 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 brevicornis (9)
Photo credits: (c) Mike Quinn, San Marcos, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Mike Quinn, San Marcos | (c) Eduardo Axel Recillas Bautista, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Eduardo Axel Recillas Bautista | (c) Gabe King, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Gabe King | (c) Brandon Woo, all rights reserved, uploaded by Brandon Woo | (c) Cyrus Allen, all rights reserved, uploaded by Cyrus Allen | Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pachybrachis brevicornis
What is Pachybrachis brevicornis?
Pachybrachis brevicornis is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pachybrachis brevicornis?
Ave. length 2.9 mm. Length 2.75 to 3.1 mm.
How do you identify Pachybrachis brevicornis?
Robust, yellow, with more or less heavy fuscous standard markings; eyes moderately distant, front with ocular lines; antennae unusually short; elytra strongly striate; front claws of male not appreciably enlarged. (Fall 1915) Elytra diffusely punctate in a not very large basal-sutural triangle, elsewhere with distinct striae which are rather strongly impressed laterally, the fifth and sixth more or less broken or irregular at middle, the eighth with a subbasal dislocation; marginal interspace impunctate; shield conspicuous, elongate triangular. The color may be described as yellow with more or less heavy confluent standard spots which vary from brown to nearly black; or as brown or blackish with the basal margin, some short spurs extending backward from it, two short interrupted lateral transverse fasciae, the shield, and the apex, yellow. (Fall 1915) Det. E. G. Riley, 2009
Where is Pachybrachis brevicornis found?
Range: Apparently endemic to Texas - Map
What does Pachybrachis brevicornis eat?
The diet of the Pachybrachis brevicornis includes Adults collected from Mesquite - Prosopis glandulosa (Fabaceae) ( 4 ).
When is Pachybrachis brevicornis active?
Pachybrachis brevicornis: seasonal activity - Mar-May (BG data).