Pachybrachis laevis
This record describes Pachybrachis laevis (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Small, yellow, polished. Standard spots variable from black or nearly so through pale brown, diffuse and indistinct to entirely wanting. Type Locality: Colorado Springs, Colorado
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
sw US (AZ-TX-CO-NV, SD) ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: may be asso. w/ mesquite ( Prosopis spp., Fabaceae) ( 4 ) ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pachybrachis laevis Bowditch 1909
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pachybrachis laevis. 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 laevis (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pachybrachis laevis
What is Pachybrachis laevis?
Pachybrachis laevis is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pachybrachis laevis?
Length 2.25 to 2.8 mm
How do you identify Pachybrachis laevis?
Small, yellow, polished. Standard spots variable from black or nearly so through pale brown, diffuse and indistinct to entirely wanting.
Where is Pachybrachis laevis found?
Range: sw US (AZ-TX-CO-NV, SD) ( 3 )
What does Pachybrachis laevis eat?
The diet of the Pachybrachis laevis includes may be asso. w/ mesquite ( Prosopis spp., Fabaceae) ( 4 ) ( 5 ).