Pachybrachis tridens
This record describes Pachybrachis tridens (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Since P. tridens has not been collected from Canada in the last 55 years, it can be considered as extirpated from the Canadian fauna. ( 5 )
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 to MT (TX-GA-NY-MT) - Map , uncommon in deep south
Seasonal Activity
mostly May-July ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: eastern poison ivy - Toxicodendron radicans (Anacardiaceae) ( 4 ) ( Illinois Wildflowers )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pachybrachis tridens (F. E. Melsheimer, 1847)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pachybrachis tridens. 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 tridens (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pachybrachis tridens
What is Pachybrachis tridens?
Pachybrachis tridens is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pachybrachis tridens?
Length 3.3 mm
Where is Pachybrachis tridens found?
Range: e US to MT (TX-GA-NY-MT) - Map , uncommon in deep south
What does Pachybrachis tridens eat?
The diet of the Pachybrachis tridens includes eastern poison ivy - Toxicodendron radicans (Anacardiaceae) ( 4 ) ( Illinois Wildflowers ).
When is Pachybrachis tridens active?
Pachybrachis tridens: seasonal activity - mostly May-July ( 3 ).