Pachybrachis gracilipes
This record describes Pachybrachis gracilipes (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Fall's description: Of medium size, rather brightly black and yellow mottled; eyes in the male separated by a distance which is less, and in the female more, than the vertical width of their upper lobes; no ocular lines; front tibiae scarcely widened apically; front claws of male small. Fall's last key couplet for this sp: Side margins of prothorax smooth, markings throughout black or nearly so, and more sharply contrasting.
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 TX
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pachybrachis gracilipes Fall 1915
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pachybrachis gracilipes. 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 gracilipes (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pachybrachis gracilipes
What is Pachybrachis gracilipes?
Pachybrachis gracilipes is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pachybrachis gracilipes?
Length 2.7 to 3 mm
How do you identify Pachybrachis gracilipes?
Fall's description: Of medium size, rather brightly black and yellow mottled; eyes in the male separated by a distance which is less, and in the female more, than the vertical width of their upper lobes; no ocular lines; front tibiae scarcely widened apically; front claws of male small. Fall's last key couplet for this sp: Side margins of prothorax smooth, markings throughout black or nearly so, and more sharply contrasting.
Where is Pachybrachis gracilipes found?
Range: w TX