Pachybrachis cephalicus
This record describes Pachybrachis cephalicus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Variable in coloration. Examination of male aedeagus may be needed to separate from similar species.
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 US, Ont (ON-MA to GA-LA) State/Province Records: CAN: ON; USA: AL, AR, GA, LA, MA, MD, MS, NC, NJ, NY, SC, WV (mostly coastal states)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Taken from Cinquefoil ( Potentilla sp.) and strawberry ( Fragaria sp.)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pachybrachis cephalicus. 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 cephalicus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pachybrachis cephalicus
What is Pachybrachis cephalicus?
Pachybrachis cephalicus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Pachybrachis cephalicus?
Variable in coloration. Examination of male aedeagus may be needed to separate from similar species.
Where is Pachybrachis cephalicus found?
Range: e US, Ont (ON-MA to GA-LA) State/Province Records: CAN: ON; USA: AL, AR, GA, LA, MA, MD, MS, NC, NJ, NY, SC, WV (mostly coastal states)
What does Pachybrachis cephalicus eat?
The diet of the Pachybrachis cephalicus includes Taken from Cinquefoil ( Potentilla sp.) and strawberry ( Fragaria sp.).