Pachybrachis chaoticus
This record describes Pachybrachis chaoticus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Robust, yellow, brown punctate and with rather sharply defined brown markings; eyes narrowly separated, front without ocular lines; punctuation throughout sparse and irregular; front claws of male strongly enlarged Det. M. A. Quinn, 2013
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
AZ, w.TX - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: sp. not listed in Clark et al. (2004) ( 5 ) "taken on catclaw acacia and mesquite" (H. Hespenheide, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2013)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pachybrachis chaoticus Fall, 1915
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pachybrachis chaoticus. 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 chaoticus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pachybrachis chaoticus
What is Pachybrachis chaoticus?
Pachybrachis chaoticus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pachybrachis chaoticus?
Length 3.4 to 4.2 mm
How do you identify Pachybrachis chaoticus?
Robust, yellow, brown punctate and with rather sharply defined brown markings; eyes narrowly separated, front without ocular lines; punctuation throughout sparse and irregular; front claws of male strongly enlarged Det. M. A. Quinn, 2013
Where is Pachybrachis chaoticus found?
Range: AZ, w.TX - Map
What does Pachybrachis chaoticus eat?
The diet of the Pachybrachis chaoticus includes sp. not listed in Clark et al. (2004) ( 5 ) taken on catclaw acacia and mesquite (H. Hespenheide, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2013).