Pachybrachis diversus
Fall, 1915
Screwbean Pachy
Pachybrachis diversus is a small leaf beetle in the Chrysomelidae, Cryptocephalinae. It belongs to a large of North American cryptocephaline beetles commonly known as 'scripture beetles' for their often elytral patterns. The was described by Fall in 1915 and has been collected in the southwestern United States, particularly in Arizona. Based on field observations, it appears to be attracted to ultraviolet and mercury-vapor lights in oak-juniper woodland .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pachybrachis diversus: /ˌpæk.iˈbrɑː.kɪs dɪˈvɜːr.səs/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Habitat
Oak-juniper woodland; mesquite/acacia scrub. Based on collection records from southeastern Arizona, occurs in Madrean oak woodland and associated riparian corridors.
Distribution
Southwestern United States; specifically recorded from Arizona (Huachuca Mountains, Santa Rita Mountains). GBIF records indicate presence in North America.
Seasonality
Active in late July; collected at lights on July 27, 2021 in the Huachuca Mountains of Arizona.
Host Associations
- Prosopis glandulosa - mesquite; beaten from this
- Quercus oblongifolia - Mexican blue oak; beaten from this
- Quercus emoryi - Emory oak; beaten from this
- Quercus arizonica - Arizona white oak; beaten from this
- Quercus hypoleucoides - silverleaf oak; beaten from this
- Senegalia greggii - catclaw acacia; beaten from this
- Mimosa dysocarpa - velvetpod mimosa; beaten from this
Behavior
Nocturnally active; attracted to ultraviolet and mercury-vapor light stations. have been observed on beating sheets after being dislodged from vegetation.
Similar Taxa
- Pachybrachis spp.Other members of this large share similar small size, rounded body form, and elytral patterning; -level identification requires examination of genitalic structures and detailed elytral markings
More Details
Collection context
Specimens were collected by Ted C. MacRae during a 13-day collecting trip in western Texas, southern New Mexico, and southeastern Arizona (July 19–31, 2021). Multiple individuals representing 'two of Pachybrachis' were taken at a light station in mesquite/acacia scrub at Upper Tanque Verde Falls Trailhead, Tucson, Arizona on July 27, 2021. Additional specimens were beaten from oaks and acacias in the Atascosa Mountains (Ruby Rd) on July 28, 2021. The specimens were noted for deposit with Bob Barney, a in the group.