Pachybrachis turbidus
This record describes Pachybrachis turbidus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Medium to large yellow with red brown markings which may become nearly black on the elytra; elytral striae deep with convex intervals. variable, among the most common Pachybrachis spp. in TX Type Locality: Texas among the most common Pachybrachis spp. in TX
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
Great Plains to s. TX (TX-MN-IL) ( 3 ) ( 4 ) , most records n. KS to s. TX
Seasonal Activity
Mar-Sept in TX (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Quinn (2000) found one record each from Texas Red Oak ( Quercus buckleyi ) and Texas Live Oak ( Quercus fusiformis ) in c. TX ( 5 ) ( 6 ) , but range of beetle most closely matches that of Q. buckleyi ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pachybrachis turbidus J. L. LeConte 1880
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pachybrachis turbidus. 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 turbidus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pachybrachis turbidus
What is Pachybrachis turbidus?
Pachybrachis turbidus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pachybrachis turbidus?
avg length 4 mm
How do you identify Pachybrachis turbidus?
Medium to large yellow with red brown markings which may become nearly black on the elytra; elytral striae deep with convex intervals. variable, among the most common Pachybrachis spp. in TX
Where is Pachybrachis turbidus found?
Range: Great Plains to s. TX (TX-MN-IL) ( 3 ) ( 4 ) , most records n. KS to s. TX
What does Pachybrachis turbidus eat?
The diet of the Pachybrachis turbidus includes Quinn (2000) found one record each from Texas Red Oak ( Quercus buckleyi ) and Texas Live Oak ( Quercus fusiformis ) in c. TX ( 5 ) ( 6 ) , but range of beetle most closely matches that of Q. buckleyi ( 4 ).
When is Pachybrachis turbidus active?
Pachybrachis turbidus: seasonal activity - Mar-Sept in TX (BG data).