Pachybrachis viduatus
This record describes Pachybrachis viduatus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
P. viduatus was long confused with the common and widespread Pachybrachis bivittatus (Say). Like the other vittate species of the viduatus species-group, this species is uncommon in collections.
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
Habitat
collected in very small numbers at two localities in NC in asso. w/ host plants in localities best described as a long-leaf pine savanna-pocosin transition and a disturbed roadside.
Geographic Range
coastal states: TX-FL-NC (plus 1 record from Coffee Co., TN)
Seasonal Activity
May-Aug
Diet and Behavior
Diet: recent collecting confirmed asso. w/ Atlantic St. John's-Wort, Hypericum tenuifolium (Clusiaceae)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pachybrachis viduatus. 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 viduatus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pachybrachis viduatus
What is Pachybrachis viduatus?
Pachybrachis viduatus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pachybrachis viduatus?
length 2.9-3.6 mm
How do you identify Pachybrachis viduatus?
P. viduatus was long confused with the common and widespread Pachybrachis bivittatus (Say).
Where is Pachybrachis viduatus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | collected in very small numbers at two localities in NC in asso. w/ host plants in localities best described as a long-leaf pine savanna-pocosin transition and a disturbed roadside. |
| Range | coastal states: TX-FL-NC (plus 1 record from Coffee Co., TN) |
What does Pachybrachis viduatus eat?
The diet of the Pachybrachis viduatus includes recent collecting confirmed asso. w/ Atlantic St. John's-Wort, Hypericum tenuifolium (Clusiaceae).
When is Pachybrachis viduatus active?
Pachybrachis viduatus: seasonal activity - May-Aug.