Pachybrachis kentuckyensis
This record describes Pachybrachis kentuckyensis (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Type Locality: KY: Hardin Co. / Eastview Barrens SNP / 37.603476 -86.047614 / 9 Jun 2009
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
Habitat
type locality, Eastview Barrens State Nature Preserve, is a fire-maintained grassland and open woodland
Geographic Range
e US, mostly betw. Miss. R. and Appalachian Mtns (MS-FL-WV-OH)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: One specimen was taken on straggling St. Johnswort, Hypericum dolabriforme (Clusiaceae) . this plant has a narrow distribution similar to that of the beetle.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pachybrachis kentuckyensis Riley and Barney, 2015
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pachybrachis kentuckyensis. 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 kentuckyensis (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pachybrachis kentuckyensis
What is Pachybrachis kentuckyensis?
Pachybrachis kentuckyensis is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pachybrachis kentuckyensis?
2.4–3.1 mm
Where is Pachybrachis kentuckyensis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | type locality, Eastview Barrens State Nature Preserve, is a fire-maintained grassland and open woodland |
| Range | e US, mostly betw. Miss. R. and Appalachian Mtns (MS-FL-WV-OH) |
What does Pachybrachis kentuckyensis eat?
The diet of the Pachybrachis kentuckyensis includes One specimen was taken on straggling St. Johnswort, Hypericum dolabriforme (Clusiaceae) . this plant has a narrow distribution similar to that of the beetle..