Pachybrachis newmani
This record describes Pachybrachis newmani (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The orange-red elytra, enlarged claws, and large size make P. discoideus readily recognizable. The size of the black sutural macula is variable, and the pronotum of females is often entirely black. Elytra orange-red with wide, black sutural stripe not reaching apex; pronotum white with broadly diffuse black M, varying to completely black with white margins.
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
endemic to FL peninsula (relatively common[?] and has been found from Key West to Jacksonville, but not into the western panhandle)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Feeds on turkey oak and other scrub oaks. Ericaceae, Fagaceae
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pachybrachis newmani Jacobson, 1901. New Status
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pachybrachis newmani. 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 newmani (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pachybrachis newmani
What is Pachybrachis newmani?
Pachybrachis newmani is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pachybrachis newmani?
L = 2.18–2.69 mm (mean = 2.41 mm, n = 10) - male L = 2.39–2.85 mm (mean = 2.62 mm, n = 10) - female
How do you identify Pachybrachis newmani?
The orange-red elytra, enlarged claws, and large size make P. discoideus readily recognizable. The size of the black sutural macula is variable, and the pronotum of females is often entirely black. Elytra orange-red with wide, black sutural stripe not reaching apex; pronotum white with broadly diffuse black M, varying to completely black with white margins.
Where is Pachybrachis newmani found?
Range: endemic to FL peninsula (relatively common[?] and has been found from Key West to Jacksonville, but not into the western panhandle)
What does Pachybrachis newmani eat?
The diet of the Pachybrachis newmani includes Feeds on turkey oak and other scrub oaks. Ericaceae, Fagaceae.