Pachybrachis wenzeli
This record describes Pachybrachis wenzeli (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Robust, varying from almost entirely black to yellow, more or less heavily maculate and irrorate with black; prothoracic punctuation nearly equally dense to the extreme margins, elytral punctuation largely confused. [irrorate = marked with tiny spots of color]
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
"apparently an abundant species in the Huachuca, Chiricahua, and Santa Rita Mountains (emphsis added) of Southern Arizona, where it has been taken by H.A. Wenzel, Skinner, Beyer, Schaeffer, Snow, Hubbard and Schwarz, and perhaps others."
Geographic Range
AZ to w.TX - Map
Seasonal Activity
May-Aug
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Clark et al. (2004) report spmn label data showing an asso. w/ Mimosa (in AZ) and w/ Quercus (in TX). ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pachybrachis wenzeli Fall, 1915
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pachybrachis wenzeli. 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 wenzeli (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pachybrachis wenzeli
What is Pachybrachis wenzeli?
Pachybrachis wenzeli is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pachybrachis wenzeli?
Length 3.4 to 4.3 mm (Ave 3.8 mm)
How do you identify Pachybrachis wenzeli?
Robust, varying from almost entirely black to yellow, more or less heavily maculate and irrorate with black; prothoracic punctuation nearly equally dense to the extreme margins, elytral punctuation largely confused. [irrorate = marked with tiny spots of color]
Where is Pachybrachis wenzeli found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | apparently an abundant species in the Huachuca, Chiricahua, and Santa Rita Mountains (emphsis added) of Southern Arizona, where it has been taken by H.A. Wenzel, Skinner, Beyer, Schaeffer, Snow, Hubbard and Schwarz, and perhaps others. |
| Range | AZ to w.TX - Map |
What does Pachybrachis wenzeli eat?
The diet of the Pachybrachis wenzeli includes Clark et al. (2004) report spmn label data showing an asso. w/ Mimosa (in AZ) and w/ Quercus (in TX). ( 4 ).
When is Pachybrachis wenzeli active?
Pachybrachis wenzeli: seasonal activity - May-Aug.