Split-neck Creosote Pachy
Pachybrachis xanti
This record describes Pachybrachis xanti (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Robust, primarily yellow; widest across humeri, narrowing to head and elytral apices (last key couplet) ( 3 ) Very robust, rufo-testaceous, prothorax unusually long, sub conical with smooth median line, with or without faint darker shades; pubescence short, sparse, inclined. ( 3 )
Wikipedia reference for Pachybrachis xanti: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pachybrachis xanti.
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
given the host plants, this sp. should be found in desert lowlands
Geographic Range
s.CA to w.TX, UT / Mex. - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: adults swept from foliage of creosote ( Larrea tridentata (= divaricata ), Zygophyllaceae) in AZ, NV, and NM, also recorded feeding on saltbush ( Atriplex , Chenopodiaceae) ( 3 ) (Carr 1988) ( 6 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pachybrachis xanti Crotch 1872
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pachybrachis xanti. 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 Split-neck Creosote Pachy (9)
Photo credits: (c) James Bailey, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by James Bailey | (c) C. Mallory, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by C. Mallory | (c) Cesar Mendez, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Cesar Mendez | (c) Owen Ridgen, all rights reserved, uploaded by Owen Ridgen | Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Maury Heiman
Frequently Asked Questions About Split-neck Creosote Pachy
What is Split-neck Creosote Pachy?
Split-neck Creosote Pachy (Pachybrachis xanti) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Split-neck Creosote Pachy?
Length 3.5 to 4.8 mm ( 3 )
How do you identify Split-neck Creosote Pachy?
Robust, primarily yellow; widest across humeri, narrowing to head and elytral apices (last key couplet) ( 3 ) Very robust, rufo-testaceous, prothorax unusually long, sub conical with smooth median line, with or without faint darker shades; pubescence short, sparse, inclined. ( 3 )
Where is Split-neck Creosote Pachy found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | given the host plants, this sp. should be found in desert lowlands |
| Range | s.CA to w.TX, UT / Mex. - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 ) |
What does Split-neck Creosote Pachy eat?
The diet of the Split-neck Creosote Pachy includes adults swept from foliage of creosote ( Larrea tridentata (= divaricata ), Zygophyllaceae) in AZ, NV, and NM, also recorded feeding on saltbush ( Atriplex , Chenopodiaceae) ( 3 ) (Carr 1988) ( 6 ).