Pachybrachis virgatus
This record describes Pachybrachis virgatus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
median pronotal stripe dilated at middle, but the anterior part not bifurcate Det. E. G. Riley a somewhat scarce species of which Fall saw ten examples . There were only 2 spmns in the TAMUIC in 2014.
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-MO-SD-CO - Map , uncommon
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pachybrachis virgatus LeConte, 1880
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pachybrachis virgatus. 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 virgatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pachybrachis virgatus
What is Pachybrachis virgatus?
Pachybrachis virgatus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pachybrachis virgatus?
Length 3.7 to 4.4 mm
How do you identify Pachybrachis virgatus?
median pronotal stripe dilated at middle, but the anterior part not bifurcate Det. E. G. Riley
Where is Pachybrachis virgatus found?
Range: TX-MO-SD-CO - Map , uncommon