Pachybrachis obsoletus
This record describes Pachybrachis obsoletus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Yellow, strongly marked with black, varying to nearly completely yellow with brown maculations. |
| Head | Head yellow with vertex black or brown, frons with or without median black vitta; strongly punctate. |
| Pronotum | Pronotum yellow with black M varying to orange-yellow with 3 basal and 2 discal light brown spots; punctures usually somewhat larger than elytral punctation. Elytral maculation somewhat resembling that of P. tridens , but not nearly so sharply outlined: a subcordate spot behind scutellum, paired subapical spots, and 3 marginal spots on each elytron. Varies from strongly black to nearly completely yellow. Two large calli, about half as long as elytra, present from 2nd striae mesad. Pygidium black basally, with lateral edges of abdomen yellow. |
| Legs | Legs yellow, femora sometimes with dark mid area. |
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
widely dist. outside of sw US (NM-FL-NB-BC) - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: reported from a variety of plant families ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pachybrachis obsoletus Suffrian, 1852
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pachybrachis obsoletus. 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 obsoletus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pachybrachis obsoletus
What is Pachybrachis obsoletus?
Pachybrachis obsoletus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pachybrachis obsoletus?
Length 2.3-3.5 mm
How do you identify Pachybrachis obsoletus?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Yellow, strongly marked with black, varying to nearly completely yellow with brown maculations. |
| Head | Head yellow with vertex black or brown, frons with or without median black vitta; strongly punctate. |
| Pronotum | Pronotum yellow with black M varying to orange-yellow with 3 basal and 2 discal light brown spots; punctures usually somewhat larger than elytral punctation. Elytral maculation somewhat resembling that of P. tridens , but not nearly so sharply outlined: a subcordate spot behind scutellum, paired subapical spots, and 3 marginal spots on each elytron. Varies from strongly black to nearly completely yellow. Two large calli, about half as long as elytra, present from 2nd striae mesad. Pygidium black basally, with lateral edges of abdomen yellow. |
| Legs | Legs yellow, femora sometimes with dark mid area. |
Where is Pachybrachis obsoletus found?
Range: widely dist. outside of sw US (NM-FL-NB-BC) - Map
What does Pachybrachis obsoletus eat?
The diet of the Pachybrachis obsoletus includes reported from a variety of plant families ( 5 ).