Pachyschelus laevigatus
(Say, 1833)
Desmodium Leaf-mining Beetle
Pachyschelus laevigatus is a small metallic wood-boring beetle in the Buprestidae. It is found in North America and is associated with Desmodium , where feed on foliage and larvae are leaf miners. The species was first described by Thomas Say in 1833.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pachyschelus laevigatus: /ˌpækɪˈʃɛləs ˌlaɪvɪˈɡeɪtəs/
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Identification
Distinguished from other Pachyschelus by the smooth, polished (non-punctate or weakly punctate) . The specific epithet "laevigatus" (meaning smoothed or polished) directly refers to this diagnostic character. are associated with Desmodium plants, which aids in field identification.
Images
Appearance
Small metallic with smooth, polished . The name "laevigatus" refers to the smooth, polished surface of the elytra. Typical of Pachyschelus, are compact with a somewhat rounded body form and exhibit metallic coloration common to buprestid beetles.
Habitat
Associated with Desmodium (-trefoil), where larvae mine leaves and feed on foliage. Collected in forested areas including Ouachita National Forest in Oklahoma, where specimens were beaten from Desmodium vegetation.
Distribution
North America. Documented from Oklahoma (Ouachita National Forest), with broader North American distribution indicated in sources.
Seasonality
active in June. Documented collection date: June 8, 2019 in Oklahoma.
Diet
Larvae are leaf miners in Desmodium . feed on Desmodium foliage.
Host Associations
- Desmodium - larval leaf mines
- Desmodium - food sourcefoliage feeding
Behavior
are collected by beating vegetation. The is a in its larval stage, with adults feeding on the same plant .
Ecological Role
Herbivore; leaf-mining larvae may influence Desmodium plant physiology and provide food for and other natural enemies.
Similar Taxa
- Pachyschelus secedensSimilar size and association with Desmodium, but distinguished by elytral sculpturing (P. secedens has more distinctly punctate or sculptured versus the smooth elytra of P. laevigatus)
- Other Pachyschelus speciesSmooth polished diagnostic for P. laevigatus within the
More Details
Nomenclatural history
Originally described as Metonius laevigatus by Thomas Say in 1833, later transferred to Pachyschelus.