Pachybrachis nobilis
This record describes Pachybrachis nobilis (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
There are at least two big honkers like this on pines in AZ and nobilis is one of them. (E. G. Riley, 2013 pers. comm. to MAQ) Type Locality: Williams, Coconino Co., Arizona, west of Flagstaff.
Wikipedia reference for Pachybrachis nobilis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pachybrachis nobilis.
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
AZ-NM - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 )
Seasonal Activity
Jun-Jul (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Reported from Pinus ponderosa ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pachybrachis nobilis Fall, 1915
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pachybrachis nobilis. 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 nobilis (9)
Photo credits: (c) Mike Quinn, San Marcos, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Mike Quinn, San Marcos | (c) jimeckert49, some rights reserved (CC BY) | Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pachybrachis nobilis
What is Pachybrachis nobilis?
Pachybrachis nobilis is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pachybrachis nobilis?
5.2-6.5 mm This is the largest species in our fauna.
How do you identify Pachybrachis nobilis?
There are at least two big honkers like this on pines in AZ and nobilis is one of them. (E. G. Riley, 2013 pers. comm. to MAQ)
Where is Pachybrachis nobilis found?
Range: AZ-NM - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 )
What does Pachybrachis nobilis eat?
The diet of the Pachybrachis nobilis includes Reported from Pinus ponderosa ( 5 ).
When is Pachybrachis nobilis active?
Pachybrachis nobilis: seasonal activity - Jun-Jul (BG data).