Pachybrachis donneri
This record describes Pachybrachis donneri (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Black, opaque, side margins of prothorax, basal raised margin of elytra also side margins for a variable distance from the base, yellow; lustre throughout alutaccous, pubescence gray, decumbent, rather plentiful Det. M. A. Quinn, 2016 hot, dry, low elevation pale form (E. G. Riley, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2024) Det. E. G. Riley, 2006 Type Locality: East end of Donner Lake on willows.
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
w NA (s.BC-CA-w.TX-w.MT) - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: reported from Populus, Salix (Salicaceae) ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pachybrachis donneri Crotch, 1874 Type collected at east end of Donner Lake , where the unfortunate Donner Party spent its fateful winter in 1846...
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pachybrachis donneri. 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 donneri (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Boris Bueche
Frequently Asked Questions About Pachybrachis donneri
What is Pachybrachis donneri?
Pachybrachis donneri is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pachybrachis donneri?
Length 3.75 to 4.9 mm (Ave 4.5 mm)
How do you identify Pachybrachis donneri?
Black, opaque, side margins of prothorax, basal raised margin of elytra also side margins for a variable distance from the base, yellow; lustre throughout alutaccous, pubescence gray, decumbent, rather plentiful Det. M. A. Quinn, 2016 hot, dry, low elevation pale form (E. G. Riley, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2024) Det. E. G. Riley, 2006
Where is Pachybrachis donneri found?
Range: w NA (s.BC-CA-w.TX-w.MT) - Map
What does Pachybrachis donneri eat?
The diet of the Pachybrachis donneri includes reported from Populus, Salix (Salicaceae) ( 4 ).