Pachybrachis pectoralis
This record describes Pachybrachis pectoralis (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Form, especially of the male, narrower than usual; color dull yellow, maculate with brown or black; surface not or scarcely shining; eyes narrowly separated ; ocular lines present... Front tibiae sinuate on the inner margin beyond the middle in both sexes Det. E. G. Riley, 1994
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
e US (TX-GA-NH-SD) - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: asso. w/ common locust ( Robinia pseudoacacia , Fabaceae) Larvae found in unidentified rotting log thought to be Quercus (Stiefel 1993)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pachybrachis pectoralis. 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 pectoralis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pachybrachis pectoralis
What is Pachybrachis pectoralis?
Pachybrachis pectoralis is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Pachybrachis pectoralis?
Form, especially of the male, narrower than usual; color dull yellow, maculate with brown or black; surface not or scarcely shining; eyes narrowly separated ; ocular lines present... Front tibiae sinuate on the inner margin beyond the middle in both sexes Det. E. G. Riley, 1994
Where is Pachybrachis pectoralis found?
Range: e US (TX-GA-NH-SD) - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 )
What does Pachybrachis pectoralis eat?
The diet of the Pachybrachis pectoralis includes asso. w/ common locust ( Robinia pseudoacacia , Fabaceae) Larvae found in unidentified rotting log thought to be Quercus (Stiefel 1993).