Pachybrachis macronychus
This record describes Pachybrachis macronychus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance

Fall's description: Rather large, yellow, brown punctate, minutely alutaceous, moderately shining; cephalic spots small, pale brown, thoracic M represented by pale diffuse rust colored shades, elytra without spots; ocular lines wanting, front claws of male very large.
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
Davis and Chisos Mtns
Geographic Range
w. TX
Diet and Behavior
Life History
asso. w/ Mexican pinyon pine ( Pinus cembroides , Pinaceae) ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pachybrachis macronychus Fall 1915
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pachybrachis macronychus. 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 macronychus (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pachybrachis macronychus
What is Pachybrachis macronychus?
Pachybrachis macronychus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pachybrachis macronychus?
3.7 to 3.85 mm (based on 3 males)
How do you identify Pachybrachis macronychus?
Fall's description: Rather large, yellow, brown punctate, minutely alutaceous, moderately shining; cephalic spots small, pale brown, thoracic M represented by pale diffuse rust colored shades, elytra without spots; ocular lines wanting, front claws of male very large.
Where is Pachybrachis macronychus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Davis and Chisos Mtns |
| Range | w. TX |
What is the life cycle of a Pachybrachis macronychus?
asso. w/ Mexican pinyon pine ( Pinus cembroides , Pinaceae) ( 3 )
FROM LOOKING IT UP TO GETTING TO KNOW IT
Make sense of the bugs at home.50 household bug profiles for you. Photos, coloring, and activities for curious kids.




