Pachybrachis thoracicus
This record describes Pachybrachis thoracicus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Robust, black, prothorax at base and the raised basal margin of the elytra red; rather densely silvery white pubescent, especially the head, pygidium and under surface. Det. T. O. Robbins, 2011
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
CA to w.TX, NV / w. Mex. - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: small series (5 spmns) coll'ed from willow - Salix (Salicaceae) ( 4 ) , adults commonly observed on var. legumes ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pachybrachis thoracicus Jacoby 1889
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pachybrachis thoracicus. 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 thoracicus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ed Riley; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pachybrachis thoracicus
What is Pachybrachis thoracicus?
Pachybrachis thoracicus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pachybrachis thoracicus?
Length 3.7 to 5 mm
How do you identify Pachybrachis thoracicus?
Robust, black, prothorax at base and the raised basal margin of the elytra red; rather densely silvery white pubescent, especially the head, pygidium and under surface. Det. T. O. Robbins, 2011
Where is Pachybrachis thoracicus found?
Range: CA to w.TX, NV / w. Mex. - Map
What does Pachybrachis thoracicus eat?
The diet of the Pachybrachis thoracicus includes small series (5 spmns) coll'ed from willow - Salix (Salicaceae) ( 4 ) , adults commonly observed on var. legumes ( 5 ).