Pachybrachis hepaticus
This record describes Pachybrachis hepaticus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Pachybrachis hepaticus is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in Central America and North America.
Identification notes
Det. E. G. Riley, 2012
Wikipedia reference for Pachybrachis hepaticus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pachybrachis hepaticus.
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 to CA, but most common in west. (CA-FL-ME-ID) / Mex. to C. Amer. - Map per Fall , this is "[t]he most widely distributed species in our fauna." but note, it's not the most common sp...
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Reported from Fabaceae, Juncaceae, Salicaceae, Tamaricaceae, Asteraceae, and Euphorbiaceae ( 6 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: hepat (G). 'the liver'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pachybrachis hepaticus. 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 hepaticus (9)
Photo credits: (c) Mike Quinn, San Marcos, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Mike Quinn, San Marcos | (c) Brice C., some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Brice C. | (c) Ben Gruver, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Ben Gruver | (c) Thomas Barbin, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Thomas Barbin | (c) Dusty, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Dusty | (c) Eliot VanOtteren, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Eliot VanOtteren | (c) kneubaue, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by kneubaue | Contributed by Ed Riley; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pachybrachis hepaticus
What is Pachybrachis hepaticus?
Pachybrachis hepaticus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pachybrachis hepaticus?
Length 1.9-3.4 mm. Ave. length 2.5 mm. (Fall 1915)
How do you identify Pachybrachis hepaticus?
Det. E. G. Riley, 2012
Where is Pachybrachis hepaticus found?
Range: e. US to CA, but most common in west. (CA-FL-ME-ID) / Mex. to C. Amer. - Map per Fall , this is [t]he most widely distributed species in our fauna. but note, it's not the most common sp...
What does Pachybrachis hepaticus eat?
The diet of the Pachybrachis hepaticus includes Reported from Fabaceae, Juncaceae, Salicaceae, Tamaricaceae, Asteraceae, and Euphorbiaceae ( 6 ).