Pachybrachis minor
This record describes Pachybrachis minor (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
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 to w. TX / Mex. , (plus BC, MB per Bousquet et al. )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Ericameria and Hymenoclea (Asteraceae) appear to be hosts ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pachybrachis minor Bowditch 1909
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pachybrachis minor. 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 minor (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pachybrachis minor
How big is Pachybrachis minor?
Length 2.3 to 2.9 mm
Where is Pachybrachis minor found?
Range: CA to w. TX / Mex. , (plus BC, MB per Bousquet et al. )
What does Pachybrachis minor eat?
The diet of the Pachybrachis minor includes Ericameria and Hymenoclea (Asteraceae) appear to be hosts ( 4 ).