Pachybrachis texanus
This record describes Pachybrachis texanus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
eyes nearly touch... Det. M. A. Quinn, 2013 The type and great majority of specimens seen by Fall (1915) from Brownsville.
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
n. TX to Mex. - Map
Seasonal Activity
Mar-Dec
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Huisache ( Vachellia farnesiana ) and Texas Ebony ( Ebenopsis ebano , Fabaceae) ( 6 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pachybrachis texanus Bowditch, 1909
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pachybrachis texanus. 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 texanus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pachybrachis texanus
What is Pachybrachis texanus?
Pachybrachis texanus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pachybrachis texanus?
Length 1.9 to 2.8 mm
How do you identify Pachybrachis texanus?
eyes nearly touch... Det. M. A. Quinn, 2013
Where is Pachybrachis texanus found?
Range: n. TX to Mex. - Map
What does Pachybrachis texanus eat?
The diet of the Pachybrachis texanus includes Huisache ( Vachellia farnesiana ) and Texas Ebony ( Ebenopsis ebano , Fabaceae) ( 6 ).
When is Pachybrachis texanus active?
Pachybrachis texanus: seasonal activity - Mar-Dec.