Pachybrachis varians
This record describes Pachybrachis varians (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Robust, yellow, with fuscous punctures, standard maculae diffuse, luster dull Bowditch's lectotypes and paralectotypes from Opelousas, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana
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
TX-AL-TN-OK - Map
Diet and Behavior
Life History
on screwbean mesquite ( Prosopis reptans , Fabaceae) in s. TX. (MAQ, pers. obs.) One record of this species on Leguminosae in Mississippi.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pachybrachis varians Bowditch 1909
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pachybrachis varians. 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 varians (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pachybrachis varians
What is Pachybrachis varians?
Pachybrachis varians is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pachybrachis varians?
L = 1.81–1.98 mm (mean = 1.94 mm, n = 10) - Male L = 1.97–2.28 mm (mean = 2.17 mm, n = 11) - Female
How do you identify Pachybrachis varians?
Robust, yellow, with fuscous punctures, standard maculae diffuse, luster dull
Where is Pachybrachis varians found?
Range: TX-AL-TN-OK - Map
What is the life cycle of a Pachybrachis varians?
on screwbean mesquite ( Prosopis reptans , Fabaceae) in s. TX. (MAQ, pers. obs.) One record of this species on Leguminosae in Mississippi.