Pachybrachis vau
This record describes Pachybrachis vau (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Pale yellow or testaceous, integuments polished, prothorax with a median V shaped mark and a vitta each side [emphasis added], the elytra with the suture and two discal stripes, black; the outer stripe occupying the seventh and eighth interspaces. Front without ocular lines, front claws of male not at all enlarged.
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
Rockies to Great Plains (AZ-TX-SD-ID) / AB - Map , most records AZ to c.TX
Diet and Behavior
Diet: reported from var. spp. Asteraceae ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pachybrachis vau Fall 1915
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pachybrachis vau. 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 vau (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pachybrachis vau
What is Pachybrachis vau?
Pachybrachis vau is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pachybrachis vau?
Ave length 3.25 mm
How do you identify Pachybrachis vau?
Pale yellow or testaceous, integuments polished, prothorax with a median V shaped mark and a vitta each side [emphasis added], the elytra with the suture and two discal stripes, black; the outer stripe occupying the seventh and eighth interspaces. Front without ocular lines, front claws of male not at all enlarged.
Where is Pachybrachis vau found?
Range: Rockies to Great Plains (AZ-TX-SD-ID) / AB - Map , most records AZ to c.TX
What does Pachybrachis vau eat?
The diet of the Pachybrachis vau includes reported from var. spp. Asteraceae ( 4 ).