Pachybrachis signatus
This record describes Pachybrachis signatus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
broad median thoracic stripe narrowly divided in front
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
s.CA to c.TX, UT - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: adults swept from Baccharis spp. (Asteraceae) ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pachybrachis signatus Bowditch 1909
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pachybrachis signatus. 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 signatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pachybrachis signatus
What is Pachybrachis signatus?
Pachybrachis signatus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pachybrachis signatus?
avg. length 2.8 mm
How do you identify Pachybrachis signatus?
broad median thoracic stripe narrowly divided in front
Where is Pachybrachis signatus found?
Range: s.CA to c.TX, UT - Map
What does Pachybrachis signatus eat?
The diet of the Pachybrachis signatus includes adults swept from Baccharis spp. (Asteraceae) ( 4 ).