Pachybrachis trinotatus
This record describes Pachybrachis trinotatus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Pronotum red with heavy, sharply defined, black M-mark, and with pale anterior and lateral margins; elytra entirely black.
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. N. Amer. (AL-FL-NY-KS / ON-QC) - Map , rare along Gulf and s. Atlantic coasts
Seasonal Activity
June-July (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: wild indigo - Baptisia (Fabaceae) ( 4 )
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pachybrachis trinotatus. 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 trinotatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pachybrachis trinotatus
What is Pachybrachis trinotatus?
Pachybrachis trinotatus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pachybrachis trinotatus?
male size large: length 3.09 +/- 0.13 mm.
How do you identify Pachybrachis trinotatus?
Pronotum red with heavy, sharply defined, black M-mark, and with pale anterior and lateral margins; elytra entirely black.
Where is Pachybrachis trinotatus found?
Range: e. N. Amer. (AL-FL-NY-KS / ON-QC) - Map , rare along Gulf and s. Atlantic coasts
What does Pachybrachis trinotatus eat?
The diet of the Pachybrachis trinotatus includes wild indigo - Baptisia (Fabaceae) ( 4 ).
When is Pachybrachis trinotatus active?
Pachybrachis trinotatus: seasonal activity - June-July (BG data).