Brachyina

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Superfamily: Buprestoidea
Family: Buprestidae
Subfamily: Agrilinae
Tribe: Tracheini
Subtribe: Brachyina

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Brachyina: /ˈbræ.kɪˌaɪ.na/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Brachys floricola Kerremans, 1900; Type; NHMUK014663713; Dorsal habitus (51941225977) by Natural History Museum: Coleoptera Section from South Kensingon, London, UK. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Brachys tesselatus by autrpy on iNaturalist. Used under a CC0 license.

Brachys aurulenta (Kirby, 1837); Paralectotype; NHMUK014663711; Labels (1) (51926360958) by Natural History Museum: Coleoptera Section from South Kensingon, London, UK. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Brachys aurulenta (Kirby, 1837); Lectotype; NHMUK014663710; Laebls (2) (51926360998) by Natural History Museum: Coleoptera Section from South Kensingon, London, UK. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Brachys aurulenta (Kirby, 1837); Lectotype; NHMUK014663710; Dorsal habitus (51926606494) by Natural History Museum: Coleoptera Section from South Kensingon, London, UK. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Brachys aurulenta (Kirby, 1837); Paralectotype; NHMUK014663711; Labels (2) (51926269521) by Natural History Museum: Coleoptera Section from South Kensingon, London, UK. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Summary

Brachys is a genus within the Brachyina subtribe of metallic wood-boring beetles, with at least 140 described species. These beetles are recognized for their metallic coloration and wood-boring habits.

Physical Characteristics

Brachys species are metallic wood-boring beetles known for their shiny appearance, often exhibiting hues of green, blue, or bronze.

Identification Tips

Look for small to medium-sized beetles with a glossy finish. Key characteristics include the elongated body shape and distinctive antennae.

Habitat

Brachys beetles are typically found in woodlands and forests where they can bore into various types of wood.

Distribution

These beetles have a wide distribution, with members of the genus found in various regions globally, particularly in temperate areas.

Diet

The larvae of Brachys feed on wood, primarily living within the wood of trees and shrubs as they develop.

Life Cycle

Brachys beetles undergo complete metamorphosis, including egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages.

Reproduction

Brachys species reproduce sexually, with females laying eggs in or near suitable host plants.

Predators

Predators of Brachys may include birds, mammals, and other insectivorous creatures that feed on beetles or larvae.

Ecosystem Role

As wood-boring beetles, Brachys play a significant role in the decomposition of dead wood and contribute to nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems.

Collecting Methods

Light traps
Hand collection from host plants
Pitfall traps

Preservation Methods

Drying specimens
Using alcohol or herbarium methods for preservation

Evolution

Brachys, as part of the subtribe Brachyina, has evolved adaptations that allow them to burrow into wood, reducing competition and specializing in a niche in their habitat.