Pachyschelus fisheri
This record describes Pachyschelus fisheri (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This is a distinct buprestid beetle, not likely to be confused with similar species. ... The body is flattened and broadly wedge-shaped. The head and pronotum are copper-colored, the later with a narrow vague band of pubescence on each side at base. The scutellum and elytra are bright metallic blue, the latter with a distinct band of pubescence at apical third. The scutellum is large and triangular (as is typical of the genus). The only known material for this species is that originally collected by George Vogt, either collected from the foliage of Bernardia myricaefolia (Euphorbiaceae) or reared from the leaves of this plant. Type Depository: USNM Texas considers this to be a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Buprestoidea
- Family
- Buprestidae (Metallic Wood-boring Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Agrilinae
- Tribe
- Tracheini
- Genus
- Pachyschelus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
apparently known from a single locality in southwestern Cameron County, Texas - Map 3 mi. E Santa Maria, Cameron County, Texas.
Seasonal Activity
Number of compiled Texas collecting events by month: June, July, August, September. Not collected since 1947.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: larvae mine the leaves of myrtle-croton - Bernardia myricifolia (Euphorbiaceae) (Vogt 1949b)
Life History
while rearing this sp., Vogt (1949b) frequently obtained instead a chalcidoid parasite which Mr. A. B. Gahan identified as Conura near odontotae (Howard).
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pachyschelus fisheri Vogt, 1949a
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pachyschelus fisheri. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pachyschelus fisheri
What is Pachyschelus fisheri?
Pachyschelus fisheri is a species in the family Buprestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pachyschelus fisheri?
Length is 2.6-3.0 mm, the greatest width is 1.7 mm at base of pronotum.
How do you identify Pachyschelus fisheri?
This is a distinct buprestid beetle, not likely to be confused with similar species. ... The body is flattened and broadly wedge-shaped. The head and pronotum are copper-colored, the later with a narrow vague band of pubescence on each side at base. The scutellum and elytra are bright metallic blue, the latter with a distinct band of pubescence at apical third. The scutellum is large and triangular (as is typical of the genus).
Where is Pachyschelus fisheri found?
Range: apparently known from a single locality in southwestern Cameron County, Texas - Map 3 mi. E Santa Maria, Cameron County, Texas.
What does Pachyschelus fisheri eat?
The diet of the Pachyschelus fisheri includes larvae mine the leaves of myrtle-croton - Bernardia myricifolia (Euphorbiaceae) (Vogt 1949b).
When is Pachyschelus fisheri active?
Pachyschelus fisheri: seasonal activity - Number of compiled Texas collecting events by month: June, July, August, September. Not collected since 1947..
What is the life cycle of a Pachyschelus fisheri?
while rearing this sp., Vogt (1949b) frequently obtained instead a chalcidoid parasite which Mr. A. B. Gahan identified as Conura near odontotae (Howard).