Pachybrachis mellitus
This record describes Pachybrachis mellitus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
upper side entirely dark honey-yellow, shining. The large size and shining yellow colour make this species easy to recognize. Robust, dark honey yellow, immaculate, integuments very minutely alutaceous but rather strongly shining, punctures not or scarcely darker; eyes rather distant
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 (s.CA-w.TX-UT-NV) / Mex. - Map ( 4 ) ( 5 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: “swept from foliage or feeding on leaves” of Creosote ( Larrea tridentata , Zygophyllaceae) in AZ, CA, NV, and NM ( 6 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pachybrachis mellitus Bowditch 1909
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pachybrachis mellitus. 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 mellitus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pachybrachis mellitus
What is Pachybrachis mellitus?
Pachybrachis mellitus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pachybrachis mellitus?
Length 3.2 to 4.2 (avg. 3.7 mm)
How do you identify Pachybrachis mellitus?
upper side entirely dark honey-yellow, shining. The large size and shining yellow colour make this species easy to recognize. Robust, dark honey yellow, immaculate, integuments very minutely alutaceous but rather strongly shining, punctures not or scarcely darker; eyes rather distant
Where is Pachybrachis mellitus found?
Range: sw US (s.CA-w.TX-UT-NV) / Mex. - Map ( 4 ) ( 5 )
What does Pachybrachis mellitus eat?
The diet of the Pachybrachis mellitus includes swept from foliage or feeding on leaves of Creosote ( Larrea tridentata , Zygophyllaceae) in AZ, CA, NV, and NM ( 6 ).