ColeopteraChrysomelidae – Leaf Beetles

Pachybrachis luridus

This record describes Pachybrachis luridus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Pachybrachis luridus - Pachybrachis luridus
Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Bbarnd
FeatureDescription
PronotumPronotum may be completely black with red lateral margins, may have a red medial vitta or be completely red.
ElytraElytra completely black or with a few yellow specks, especially at apex. , see: Here appears luridus , the first of our species to receive a name. A common species, known to all collectors. (Fall 1915)

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

TX-FL-QC*-SD, AZ, MT - Map , one of the most commonly coll'ed sp. in Alabama *However, no specimens have been collected from eastern Canada in the last 68 years, consequently, this sp. is likely extirpated from the eastern Canadian fauna.

Seasonal Activity

mostly: May (BG data) Mar-Jul (in AL)

Diet and Behavior

Diet: adults coll'ed from Baptisia , Amorpha , Quercus , plus other plants ( 6 )

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pachybrachis luridus. 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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Pachybrachis luridus (5)

Pachybrachis luridus - photo 1
Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Bbarnd
Pachybrachis luridus - photo 2
Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Bbarnd
Pachybrachis luridus - photo 3
Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Bbarnd
Pachybrachis luridus - photo 4
Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Bbarnd
Pachybrachis luridus - photo 5
Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Bbarnd

Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Bbarnd

Frequently Asked Questions About Pachybrachis luridus

What is Pachybrachis luridus?

Pachybrachis luridus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.

How big is Pachybrachis luridus?

Ave length 3.5 mm

How do you identify Pachybrachis luridus?
FeatureDescription
PronotumPronotum may be completely black with red lateral margins, may have a red medial vitta or be completely red.
ElytraElytra completely black or with a few yellow specks, especially at apex. , see:
Where is Pachybrachis luridus found?

Range: TX-FL-QC*-SD, AZ, MT - Map , one of the most commonly coll'ed sp. in Alabama *However, no specimens have been collected from eastern Canada in the last 68 years, consequently, this sp. is likely extirpated from the eastern Canadian fauna.

What does Pachybrachis luridus eat?

The diet of the Pachybrachis luridus includes adults coll'ed from Baptisia , Amorpha , Quercus , plus other plants ( 6 ).

When is Pachybrachis luridus active?

Pachybrachis luridus: seasonal activity - mostly: May (BG data) Mar-Jul (in AL).

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Bbarnd. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.