Pachybrachis umbraculatus
This record describes Pachybrachis umbraculatus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Fall's description: Pale dull yellow, minutely alutaceous but somewhat shining; prothorax with a blackish Y shaped median vitta and a lateral vitta each side inclosing (as usual) somewhat imperfectly an external pale spot; elytra each with a rather narrow blackish median vitta often imperfect or even nearly obsolete, also with the extremities of a second vitta represented by a blackish spot on the shoulder knob and another on the sixth interval exterior to the apex of the median vitta. Front without ocular lines; front claws of male not enlarged. Fall's last key couplet for this sp. Elytra yellow with a single narrow, often imperfect or subobsolete median vitta; the shoulder knob and a posterior spot (representing an outer vitta) 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
AZ to w. TX / Mex. - Map
Seasonal Activity
June-July
Diet and Behavior
Life History
one adult collected sweeping Baccharis pteronioides (Asteraceae) in AZ ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pachybrachis umbraculatus Suffrian 1852
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pachybrachis umbraculatus. 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 umbraculatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pachybrachis umbraculatus
What is Pachybrachis umbraculatus?
Pachybrachis umbraculatus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pachybrachis umbraculatus?
Length 3.5 to 3.9 mm
How do you identify Pachybrachis umbraculatus?
Fall's description: Pale dull yellow, minutely alutaceous but somewhat shining; prothorax with a blackish Y shaped median vitta and a lateral vitta each side inclosing (as usual) somewhat imperfectly an external pale spot; elytra each with a rather narrow blackish median vitta often imperfect or even nearly obsolete, also with the extremities of a second vitta represented by a blackish spot on the shoulder knob and another on the sixth interval exterior to the apex of the median vitta. Front without ocular lines; front claws of male not enlarged. Fall's last key couplet for this sp. Elytra yellow with a single narrow, often imperfect or subobsolete median vitta; the shoulder knob and a posterior spot (representing an outer vitta) black.
Where is Pachybrachis umbraculatus found?
Range: AZ to w. TX / Mex. - Map
When is Pachybrachis umbraculatus active?
Pachybrachis umbraculatus: seasonal activity - June-July.
What is the life cycle of a Pachybrachis umbraculatus?
one adult collected sweeping Baccharis pteronioides (Asteraceae) in AZ ( 5 )