Pseudopachybrachius basalis
This record describes Pseudopachybrachius basalis (species). Recorded family: Rhyparochromidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance

Posterior (apical) margin of corium pale or light brown; posterior femora with dark markings. Small, robust, stocky. Lateral corial margins completely pale and corium lacking a distinct post median transverse fascia. Oval pale spot present near inner apical and corial. Head, pronotum and scutellum dull black. Corium dull yellow with dark brown punctures.(emphasis added.) most records at lights Something is strange in the species as the reported chromosome numbers differ (Merrill Sweet, pers. comm.)
Wikipedia reference for Pseudopachybrachius basalis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudopachybrachius_basalis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Superfamily
- Lygaeoidea
- Family
- Rhyparochromidae (Dirt-colored Seed Bugs)
- Subfamily
- Rhyparochrominae
- Tribe
- Myodochini
- Genus
- Pseudopachybrachius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Most abundant where Panicum grasses are common
Geographic Range
e. NA (QC-FL to KS-TX-NM) to Panama - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: most frequently on grasses and other monocots (BG data)
Life History
In Connecticut, there are 2 generations and adults overwinter
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pseudopachybrachius basalis (Dallas 1852)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Pseudopachybrachius basalis. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hemiptera (true bugs) includes over 80,000 described species across cicadas, aphids, leafhoppers, shield bugs, and bed bugs. Aphids alone cost global agriculture an estimated $2.5 billion annually in crop losses.
Ecological role of the group
Many Hemiptera are essential food sources for birds and predatory insects. Cicadas provide massive nutrient pulses during emergence events - a single Brood X emergence can involve trillions of individuals across 15 states.
Economic and practical significance of the group
The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) caused $37 million in apple crop losses in a single year in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region. Bed bug infestations in the U.S. increased by 500% between 2001-2010, costing the hotel industry hundreds of millions annually.
Recorded sources for this group: USDA, EPA, University research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Pseudopachybrachius basalis (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , John Schneider , v belov , onegunah
Frequently Asked Questions About Pseudopachybrachius basalis
What is Pseudopachybrachius basalis?
Pseudopachybrachius basalis is a species in the family Rhyparochromidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Pseudopachybrachius basalis?
3.5-4.5 mm
How do you identify Pseudopachybrachius basalis?
Posterior (apical) margin of corium pale or light brown; posterior femora with dark markings. Small, robust, stocky. Lateral corial margins completely pale and corium lacking a distinct post median transverse fascia. Oval pale spot present near inner apical and corial. Head, pronotum and scutellum dull black. Corium dull yellow with dark brown punctures.(emphasis added.)
Where is Pseudopachybrachius basalis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Most abundant where Panicum grasses are common |
| Range | e. NA (QC-FL to KS-TX-NM) to Panama - Map |
What does Pseudopachybrachius basalis eat?
The diet of the Pseudopachybrachius basalis includes most frequently on grasses and other monocots (BG data).
What is the life cycle of a Pseudopachybrachius basalis?
In Connecticut, there are 2 generations and adults overwinter
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