Pachybrachis pusillus
This record describes Pachybrachis pusillus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
eyes bulge, nearly touch... among the most commonly coll'ed beetle spp. (at UV lights) at Laguna Atascosa NWR, Rio Hondo, Cameron Co., TX ( 6 )
Identification notes
eyes bulge, nearly touch...
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 to c. TX / Mex. - Map
Seasonal Activity
Apr-Nov (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Possibly Mesquite - Prosopis glandulosa (Fabaceae) ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pachybrachis pusillus Bowditch 1909
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pachybrachis pusillus. 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 pusillus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pachybrachis pusillus
What is Pachybrachis pusillus?
Pachybrachis pusillus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pachybrachis pusillus?
Length 2.2 to 3 mm
How do you identify Pachybrachis pusillus?
eyes bulge, nearly touch...
Where is Pachybrachis pusillus found?
Range: AZ to c. TX / Mex. - Map
What does Pachybrachis pusillus eat?
The diet of the Pachybrachis pusillus includes Possibly Mesquite - Prosopis glandulosa (Fabaceae) ( 5 ).
When is Pachybrachis pusillus active?
Pachybrachis pusillus: seasonal activity - Apr-Nov (BG data).