Pachybrachis othonus
This record describes Pachybrachis othonus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Pachybrachis othonus othonus (Say) Say's description: Black; thorax with a narrow margin and abbreviated line, dull fulvous; elytra yellowish, with two black vittae. Det. M. A. Quinn, 2015 Pachybrachis othonus pallidipennis Suffrian Fall's description: Robust, above yellow, head with standard black markings, prothorax with heavy complete black M, elytra with the sutural edge and tip of the shoulder knob black; elytra regularly striate; eyes widely distant, ocular lines wanting; Det. T. O. Robbins, 2014 swept from legumes (Fabaceae) and a variety of other unrelated plant families
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
P. othonus othonus (Say) - TX-GA-ME-MB P. othonus pallidipennis Suffrian - TX-LA-SK-AB P. othonus sioux Balsbaugh - AZ-w.TX-MB-AB
Seasonal Activity
May-June (BG data)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pachybrachis othonus. 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 othonus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Edward Ruden
Frequently Asked Questions About Pachybrachis othonus
What is Pachybrachis othonus?
Pachybrachis othonus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Pachybrachis othonus?
Pachybrachis othonus othonus (Say) Say's description: Black; thorax with a narrow margin and abbreviated line, dull fulvous; elytra yellowish, with two black vittae. Det. M. A. Quinn, 2015 Pachybrachis othonus pallidipennis Suffrian Fall's description: Robust, above yellow, head with standard black markings, prothorax with heavy complete black M, elytra with the sutural edge and tip of the shoulder knob black; elytra regularly striate; eyes widely distant, ocular lines wanting; Det. T. O. Robbins, 2014
Where is Pachybrachis othonus found?
Range: P. othonus othonus (Say) - TX-GA-ME-MB P. othonus pallidipennis Suffrian - TX-LA-SK-AB P. othonus sioux Balsbaugh - AZ-w.TX-MB-AB
When is Pachybrachis othonus active?
Pachybrachis othonus: seasonal activity - May-June (BG data).