Pachybrachis melanostictus
This record describes Pachybrachis melanostictus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Black and dull yellow, mottled, sometimes the pale, sometimes the dark, areas in excess. A widely dispersed and very common species in the Pacific Region and variable in a greater or less degree in almost all its characters. For that reason it can not be described very satisfactorily nor can hard and fast lines be drawn between it and its nearer allies signatifrons, peccans and signatus , all of which may be reached with little or no break along one or another line of variation.
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
CA-AZ-Northwest Terr.-Yukon (!!) - Map , most records s.BC to s.CA
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pachybrachis melanostictus. 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 melanostictus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pachybrachis melanostictus
What is Pachybrachis melanostictus?
Pachybrachis melanostictus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pachybrachis melanostictus?
Ave length 2.9 mm
How do you identify Pachybrachis melanostictus?
Black and dull yellow, mottled, sometimes the pale, sometimes the dark, areas in excess.
Where is Pachybrachis melanostictus found?
Range: CA-AZ-Northwest Terr.-Yukon (!!) - Map , most records s.BC to s.CA