Pachyschelus laevigatus
This record describes Pachyschelus laevigatus (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
All black (a trait shared with P. confusus )
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
e NA (TX-FL-QC-SD) ,(BG data)
Seasonal Activity
May-Aug (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae in Desmodium spp. and Lespedeza sp. (Fabaceae)
Life History
Larva; leaf mine with larva; adult
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pachyschelus laevigatus. 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 Pachyschelus laevigatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , marcie oconnor , Tyler Hedlund
Frequently Asked Questions About Pachyschelus laevigatus
What is Pachyschelus laevigatus?
Pachyschelus laevigatus is a species in the family Buprestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Pachyschelus laevigatus?
All black (a trait shared with P. confusus )
Where is Pachyschelus laevigatus found?
Range: e NA (TX-FL-QC-SD) ,(BG data)
What does Pachyschelus laevigatus eat?
The diet of the Pachyschelus laevigatus includes Larvae in Desmodium spp. and Lespedeza sp. (Fabaceae).
When is Pachyschelus laevigatus active?
Pachyschelus laevigatus: seasonal activity - May-Aug (BG data).
What is the life cycle of a Pachyschelus laevigatus?
Larva; leaf mine with larva; adult