Pachybrachis hybridus
This record describes Pachybrachis hybridus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
black, prothorax red varying to black with red side margins (last key couplet) note pale line bisecting pronotum, distinctive when present (MAQ, pers. obs.) Det. M. A. Quinn, 2020 confirmed the asso. w/ chamise ( Adenostoma fasciculatum , Rosaceae)
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
OR to Mex. - Map , mostly Calif.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pachybrachis hybridus Suffrian, 1852
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pachybrachis hybridus. 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 hybridus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ed Riley; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pachybrachis hybridus
What is Pachybrachis hybridus?
Pachybrachis hybridus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Pachybrachis hybridus?
black, prothorax red varying to black with red side margins (last key couplet) note pale line bisecting pronotum, distinctive when present (MAQ, pers. obs.) Det. M. A. Quinn, 2020
Where is Pachybrachis hybridus found?
Range: OR to Mex. - Map , mostly Calif.