Pachybrachis vigilans
This record describes Pachybrachis vigilans (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
eyes may touch, but this is not diagnostic Lectotype - MCZ, Harvard not listed in Riley et al.
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
sw US (s.CA-AZ-UT) / Baja Arizona, California, and Utah are new state records.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: one spmn from Calif. labeled as from willow ( Salix sp., Salicaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pachybrachis vigilans Fall, 1915
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pachybrachis vigilans. 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 vigilans (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pachybrachis vigilans
What is Pachybrachis vigilans?
Pachybrachis vigilans is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pachybrachis vigilans?
length male mean = 2.64 mm, n = 10 female mean = 3.23 mm, n = 10
How do you identify Pachybrachis vigilans?
eyes may touch, but this is not diagnostic Lectotype - MCZ, Harvard
Where is Pachybrachis vigilans found?
Range: sw US (s.CA-AZ-UT) / Baja Arizona, California, and Utah are new state records.
What does Pachybrachis vigilans eat?
The diet of the Pachybrachis vigilans includes one spmn from Calif. labeled as from willow ( Salix sp., Salicaceae).