There has been some debate as to the correct spelling of the genus Pachybrachis. Fall’s (1915) monumental work used Pachybrachys Chevrolat and cited its general American usage by J. L. LeConte. However, this emendation was unjustified under the rules of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN 1999, Article 32).

Pachybrachis is a member of the subfamily Cryptocephalinae Gyllenhall, 1813, commonly known as the case bearers due to the fact that all known larval stages live in a case constructed of their fecal matter and often plant debris (LeSage 1985). Their cylindrical, compact body characterizes the adults, which usually have the head retracted into the pronotum to the level of the eyes.

In the recent revision of family-group names in Coleoptera (Bouchard et al. 2011), the former tribe Pachybrachini Chapuis, 1874 was relegated to subtribe under the tribe Cryptocephalini Gyllenhal, 1813. Pachybrachina Chapuis, 1874 contains only two genera north of Mexico, Griburius and Pachybrachis, and is characterized by long filiform antennae, with a marginal bead at the base of pronotum which is not crenulate. Riley et al. (2002) separated the two genera by prosternal charateristics (prosternum broad, as wide as long in Griburius, narrower, longer than wide in Pachybrachis). Additional generic keys can be found in Blatchley (1910), Chagnon and Robert (1962), Downie and Arnett (1996), and Ciegler (2007).

Useful morphological characters. Fall (1915) provided a very detailed “Review of Structural Characters Useful in Taxonomy”, which we will not repeat here. However, there are a few key characters that will be useful to separate the seventeen Canadian species. These features will be described, detailed and illustrated, most of them being used in the identification key.

Size. The seventeen species can generally be divided into four size classes by average length: very small, <1.75 mm; small, >1.75 mm to 2.35 mm; medium, >2.35 mm to 2.85 mm; and large, >2.85 mm to 3.30 mm. Pachybrachis hepaticus is the only species in the very small category, with a mean length of 1.68 mm. Pachybrachis m-nigrum (2.59 mm), Pachybrachis othonus othonus (2.63 mm), and Pachybrachis luridus (2.65 mm) are in the medium category. Pachybrachis trinotatus (3.09 mm) and Pachybrachis bivittatus (3.12 mm) are the only species with males averaging over 3 mm in length. Small is the largest category, with the remaining eleven species. Mean length and width of males are reported for each species. Females are generally larger, thus accounting for the larger overall sizes reported by Fall (1915).

Antennae. In most species (e.g. Pachybrachis atomarius, Habitus 1; Pachybrachis bivittatus, Habitus 2), the length of antennae equals about 2/3 to 3/4 the length of the body. There are two noticeable exceptions. In Pachybrachis hepaticus (Habitus 5) the antennae do not exceed half of the body length, whereas in Pachybrachis trinotatus (Habitus 17) the antennae equal or exceed the body length.

Eyes. The eyes of Pachybrachis pectoralis are close to each other and separated by less than their width (Figure 1a). In most species the distance between the eyes roughly corresponds to their width (e.g. Pachybrachis peccans, Figure 1b). A normal distance between eyes, coupled with the head coloration, can be diagnostic, as in Pachybrachis atomarius that has a largely yellow face (Figure 1c). In Pachybrachis hepaticus, the eyes are very small and markedly remote, separated by much more than their diameter (Figure 1d).

Ocular lines. Many Pachybrachis species have an impressed line, called the ocular line, around the margin of the eyes, and in some species the line diverges from each eye as lines of darker colored punctures between the eyes (e.g. Pachybrachis peccans, Figure 2a). This character is very consistent within each species, and it is easy to see provided the specimens are properly oriented and lighted. In Pachybrachis hepaticus the ocular lines are very short but distinct above the eyes (Figure 2b). In other species, however, such ocular lines are absent (e.g. Pachybrachis spumarius, Figure 2c).

Femora. Except for Pachybrachis hepaticus (Figure 3a), the femora on the forelegs of all species (Figure 3b) are incrassate or thickened in relation to the other femora. This character is difficult to see because in most cases legs are folded and pressed tightly against the body. Consequently, it might be necessary to relax the legs and spread them out to compare the front femora with those of the middle and hind legs. When such preparation is achieved, the larger size of the femora becomes evident (e.g. Pachybrachis calcaratus, Habitus 3).

Claws. In Pachybrachis, the tarsal claws are all simple (Figures 4a–d), but claws on the forelegs (Figures 4a, b) of several species are distinctly enlarged relative to the claws on the other legs (Figures 4c, d), as in Pachybrachis peccans (Habitus 12) or Pachybrachis pectoralis (Habitus 13). Due to the position of the legs in dead specimens, this character is often easier to see in lateral view (Figures 4c, d) than in front view (Figures 4a, b).

Tibial spurs. In Pachybrachis atomarius (Habitus 1), Pachybrachis m-nigrum (Habitus 8), and Pachybrachis trinotatus (Habitus 17), there is no apical spur on front tibia (Figure 5a), but a tuft of large apical setae grouped together may superficially look like a spur. In Pachybrachis spumarius (Figure 5b, Habitus 14) the front tibial spur is very small, hidden and difficult to see, but the very large and exposed front tibial spur is unique and distinctive of Pachybrachis calcaratus (Figure 5c, Habitus 3). In all species, except Pachybrachis hepaticus, the middle tibiae are armed with small slender apical spur (Figure 5d). In all species studied here, the hind tibiae are unarmed.

Pronotum. In Pachybrachis, the pronotum is margined at base, the margin usually ornamented with a row of large punctures (Figure 6a, close up). This character is very useful to separate Pachybrachis Chevrolat from Cryptocephalus Geoffroy or Bassareus Haldeman. The last two genera superficially look like Pachybrachis but are not margined at the base of the pronotum.

The density and pattern of pronotal punctures can be a useful character. Punctures usually dissipate near the side margins, and are generally a darker color than the background.

The pronotal coloration varies from a common mottled pattern (e.g. Pachybrachis spumarius, Figure 6b), to a black M-mark on a light background (e.g. Pachybrachis m-nigrum, Figure 6c), to an almost entirely black pronotum with only yellow basal and lateral markings (e.g. Pachybrachis nigricornis carbonarius, Figure 6d).

Elytra. As on the pronotum, the density and pattern of punctures on the elytra are easily seen and useful characters. The elytral punctures generally form fairly regular deep striae, consisting of one sutural, one marginal and eight discal striae on each elytron, although the first may be somewhat irregular in the basal third (e.g. Pachybrachis luctuosus, Figure 7a). Punctures may be confused in the basal half but with a tendency towards regular rows in the apical half, as in Pachybrachis calcaratus (Figure 7b). Finally, punctures may be completely confused and not aligned at all in rows (e.g. Pachybrachis hepaticus, Figure 7c).

The elytral color pattern is, of course, a very useful character for the identification of many species. The mottled pattern is common (e.g. Pachybrachis spumarius, Figure 7d). Some species are vittate (= with longitudinal black stripes), sometimes with a lateral vitta interrupted as in Pachybrachis bivittatus (Figure 7e). In some species, the elytra are largely black with only a few yellow markings or with narrow apical and lateral margins (e.g. Pachybrachis nigricornis carbonarius, Figure 7f), or the elytra can be entirely black (e.g. Pachybrachis luridus, Figure 7g).

Pygidium. The coloration of the pygidium can be largely yellow (e.g. Pachybrachis bivittatus, Figure 8a), dark with distinct yellow spots of various sizes (e.g. Pachybrachis cephalicus, Figure 8b), or dark with faint small reddish spots (e.g. Pachybrachis spumarius, Figure 8c). A completely black pygidium is distinctive of Pachybrachis atomarius (Figure 8d).

Sexes. Males are usually smaller and less robust than females, with their abdomen flat (Figure 9a). In females, the abdomen is convex beneath, the last visible segment having a deep, round, concave depression or fovea (Figure 9b).

Genitalia. In most cases, individuals of each sex can be identified to species using coloration and external morphological features alone. However, an examination of the aedeagus is essential for the determination of superficially similar and variable species, such as Pachybrachis cephalicus, luctuosus and spumarius.

In Pachybrachis, the basal portion of the aedeagus may appear bulbous (e.g. Pachybrachis luctuosus, Figure 10a) or more tubular (Figure 10b), but we don’t know yet if this character is reliable and consistent. The apical half is usually considerably bent, sometimes at a right angle, the degree of the curvature being an important diagnostic feature. In lateral view, the tip of the aedeagus may appear straight, sinuous and curved upwards, or sinuous and curved downwards (e.g. Pachybrachis spumarius, Figure 10b). In dorsal view, the tip offers various shapes: small, large, pointed, triangular, lanceolate, nipple-shaped (e.g. Pachybrachis spumarius, Figure 10c), etc.

Although the genitalic features are very constant and most reliable, they have been rarely described and illustrated in Pachybrachis. In the following key to the males of the 17 species treated here, the aedeagus is reported for only three species when external morphological characters may not be sufficient. The female genitalia are still unknown for all of them.

Illustrated key to males

1a	Front femora not thicker than others (Fig. 1.i); eyes small and remote (Fig. 1.iii); punctures of pronotum and elytra dense and confused (Habitus 5)	hepaticus (F. E. Melsheimer)
1b	Front femora thicker than others (Fig. 1.ii); eyes narrowly separated or normal (Fig. 1.iv)	2
2a	Ocular lines between eyes present (Fig. 2.i)	3
2b	Ocular lines absent (Fig. 2.ii)	6
3a	Front claws larger (Figs 3.i, 3.ii) than middle or hind claws	4
3b	Front claws not enlarged; size similar to those in middle and hind legs (Figs 3.iii, 3.iv)	5
4a	Eyes very close, separated by less than their width; ocular lines fine to indistinct (Fig. 4.i; Habitus 13)	pectoralis (F. E. Melsheimer)
4b	Eyes normal, more distant, ocular lines very distinct, with darker punctures (Fig. 4.ii; Habitus 12)	peccans Suffrian
5a	Last antennomere brownish; pronotum with subrectangular black markings pierced with yellow spots; elytral dark markings diffuse and irregular (Habitus 10)	obsoletus Suffrian
5b	Antennae entirely yellow; pronotum with solid black rectangular markings; elytral dark markings well-defined (Habitus 16)	tridens (F. E. Melsheimer)
6a	Elytra vittate (with longitudinal color stripes) (Fig. 6.i)	7
6b	Elytra mottled (Fig. 6.ii), spotted (Fig. 16.iii), or mostly to entirely black (Fig. 6.iv)	9
7a	Elytral punctures confused, outer (marginal) vitta often interrupted, pronotum yellow with darker reddish M-shaped mark (Habitus 2)	bivittatus (Say)
7b	Many elytral punctures arranged in rows (Fig. 7.i); pronotum not reddish, rather yellow with black markings of various sizes and shapes (Fig. 7.ii)	8
8a	Pronotum black, margined with yellow; sutural, discal and marginal vittae of elytra distinct (Habitus 11)	othonus (Say)
8b	Pronotum yellow with large, black, M-shaped marking; marginal and discal vittae of elytra very variable, usually not distinct (Habitus 9a)	difficilis Fall
9a	Body entirely black, or sides and apex narrowly margined with yellow in some females (Habitus 9b)	carbonarius Haldeman
9b	Pronotum mottled (Fig. 9.i) or with reddish spots (Fig. 9.ii); elytra variable, black (Fig. 9.iii) to mottled (Fig. 9.iv)	10
10a	Elytra almost or entirely black (Fig. 10.i)	11
10b	Elytra spotted (Fig. 10.ii) or mottled (Fig. 10.iii)	13
11a	Antennae longer than body; pronotum reddish with black M-mark; elytra entirely black (Habitus 17)	trinotatus (F. E. Melsheimer)
11b	Antennae shorter than body; pronotum black (Fig. 11.i), mottled (Fig.11.ii), or with M-shaped marking (Fig. 11.iii, H 8 below); if pronotum with M-shaped marking, then elytra mottled, not entirely black	12
12a	Elytra entirely black to streaked with whitish-yellow in outer areas; pronotum with reddish sides and upside-down reddish Y-mark (Habitus 7)	luridus (Fabricius)
12b	Elytra with large median reddish spots almost joining at suture, with additional smaller apical spots; pronotum entirely black (Habitus 15)	subfasciatus (J. E. LeConte)
13a	Elytra yellow with black markings; pronotum with well-defined black M-mark; size larger, 3+ mm (Habitus 8)	m-nigrum (F. E. Melsheimer)
13b	Elytra (Fig. 13.i) and pronotum mottled (Fig. 13.ii), no decernable pattern; size smaller, less than 3 mm	14
14a	Front tibia with large, curved spur (Fig. 14.i, Habitus 3)	calcaratus Fall
14b	Front tibia with tiny spur (Fig. 14.ii), or without spur (Fig. 14.iii)	15
15a	Face largely yellow in males (Fig. 15.i); pygidium entirely black (Fig. 15.iii); pronotum and elytra mottled (Habitus 1)	atomarius (F. E. Melsheimer)
15b	Face largely dark (Fig. 15.ii); pygidium spotted, with spots of some specimens being smaller and fainter than illustrated (Fig. 15.iv)	16
16a	Elytral punctures regular in deeply impressed striae; size small (2 mm) (Habitus 6); aedeagus with apical diamond-shaped denticle (Figs 16.i, 16.ii)	luctuosus Suffrian
16b	Elytral punctures confused, not inserted into deep striae (Fig. 16.iii); size larger (2+ mm); aedeagus different (Figs. 17.i, 17.iii)	17
17a	Pronotum mostly fuscous, with relatively few pale markings, densely punctate, darker than elytra (Habitus 4); aedeagus slender, sinuous, and sharper at apex in lateral view (Fig. 17.i); aedeagal tip triangular in dorsal view (Fig. 17.ii)	cephalicus Fall
17b	Markings of pronotum and elytra numerous; darker areas dark brown to rufous (Habitus 14); aedeagus sinuous and thicker at apex in lateral view (Fig. 17.iii); aedeagal tip nipple-shaped in dorsal view (Figs. 17.iv)	spumarius Suffrian

Body largely fuscous, dull, mottled with many yellow spots (Habitus 1); elytral puncturation dense, confused discally, more or less arranged in rows towards rear and sides; face of males predominately yellow; pygidium entirely black, convex (Figure 8d); male size small: length 1.85 ± 0.07 mm, width 1.01 ± 0.03 mm.

The distribution in eastern Canada is restricted in southern Ontario to remnants of the Carolinian forest (Johnson 2012; Shelford 1963). In Québec, the distribution is isolated from the main distribution area (Map 1). The unique specimen available was probably collected on the Eardley Escarpment, which is a warmer refugium created by cliffs of the Laurentian Highlands oriented southwards (Brunton and Lafontaine 1971).

ONTARIO: Essex Co., Ojibway, 7.VIII.1943, S. D. Hicks [6♀, CNC]; same data, except 8.VII.1943, S. D. Hicks [1♀, CNC]; Point Pelee, 9.VII.1931, W. J. Brown [5♂ 1♀, CNC]; Roseland, 24.VI.1944, S. D. Hicks [1♂, CNC]; Lambton Co., Walpole Island [1♂ 1♀, CNC]; Norfolk Co., Normandale, 4.VI.1931, W. J. Brown [1♂ 1♀, CNC]; Turkey Point, 8.VII.1931, W. J. Brown [1♂ 4♀, CNC]; Walsh, 10.VI.1931, W. J. Brown [1♀, CNC]; Ontario Co., Fisher Glen, 12.VI.1931, W. J. Brown [2♂ 6♀, CNC].

QUÉBEC: Pontiac Co., Old Chelsea, 12.VII.1961, J. R. Vockeroth [1♂, CNC].

No plant association records were available from specimens examined, and Barney et al. (2011) did not report any either. Clark et al. (2004) presents the known literature, but since adults were usually swept from vegetation, these records cannot automatically be interpreted as real host associations.

Pachybrachis atomarius is one of Fall’s (1915) Group C species that have “great variation in the degree of (elytral) maculation.” In spite of the extremely variable elytral mottling, ranging from heavily speckled with yellow to almost entirely black, Pachybrachis atomarius males are relatively easy to identify by the combination of the predominately yellow face (Figure 1c) and entirely black, convex pygidium (Figure 8d). The entirely black, convex pygidium character also permits identification of singleton females.

Although Pachybrachis atomarius is a typical eastern North American species distributed from Manitoba to Oklahoma to Atlantic states (Riley et al. 2003; LeSage 1991; Barney, unpublished data), in Ontario it is restricted to the Carolinian Zone in the southernmost part of the province. Its presence in Québec is considerably disjunct from its main distribution area, and this isolation is due to the warmer microhabitat of the Laurentian Highlands cliffs of Eardley Escarpment, which are fully exposed southwards and harbor similarly disjunct insects and plants (Hall 1991; Layberry et al. 1998; NCC 2011a).

Since Pachybrachis atomarius has not been collected in eastern Canada over the last 50 years, it is likely extirpated from the eastern Canadian fauna.

Body very large, primarily yellow (Habitus 2); prothorax suffused with rufous; elytral punctation confused, with somewhat apparent rows on disc; elytral color pattern bivittate, with outer vitta rarely entire (Figure 7e); pygidium yellow (Figure 8a); male size large: length 3.12 ± 0.16 mm, width 1.64 ± 0.05 mm. These characters allow identification of even singleton females.

Pachybrachis bivittatus is a transcontinental species found across Canada and the United States (LeSage 1991; Riley et al. 2003). In Ontario, it is most common in the southernmost counties. In Québec, it occurs in the Ottawa Valley and in the St. Lawrence Lowlands. The Saguenay Region is probably its northernmost limit (Map 2).

ONTARIO: Carleton Co., Constance Bay, 26.VI.1995, B. F. & J. L. Carr [1♀, CNC]; Elgin Co., New Sarum, 16.VI.1956, W. J. Brown [5♂ 5♀, CNC]; Essex Co., Amherstburg, 6.VI.1936, G. M. Stirrett [2♀, CNC]; Belle River, 26.V.1946, S. D. Hicks [1♂, CNC]; Kingsville, 23.V.1962, Kelyone & Thorpe [1♀, CNC]; same data, except 19.VI.1954, G. B. Wiggins [1♀, ROM]; Pelee Island, 24–27.VI.1935, R. C. Osburn [1♂ 1♀, OSUC]; same data, except 4.VII.1940, W. J. Brown [2♀, CNC]; Point Pelee, 29.VI.1931, W. J. Brown [4♂ 7♀, CNC]; same data, except 1.VI.1933, G. M. Stirrett [3♂, CNC]; same data, except 29.V.1955, S. D. Hicks [3♂ 4♀, CNC]; same data, except 28.VI.1961, Kelton & Brumpton [2♂ 1♀, CNC]; Haldimand Co., Dunnville, 7.VII.1961, W. & W. Plath [1♂, USNM]; same data, except 7.VIII.1961, W. Plath [1♂, USNM]; Kent Co., Thamesville, 15.VI.1930, G. M. Stirrett [1♀, CNC]; Rondeau Park, 5.VI.1985, J. M. Campbell & A. Davies [1♀, CNC]; Lambton Co., Grand Bend, 17.VI.1956, W. J. Brown [1♂ 4♀, CNC]; Lincoln Co., Beamsville, 19.VII.1939, S. D. Hicks [3♂ 3♀, CNC].

QUÉBEC: Argenteuil Co., Carillon, 24.V.1974, E. J. Kiteley [2♂ 1♀, CNC]; Deux-Montagnes Co., La Trappe, 5.VIII.1932, J. Ouellet [1♂, CEUM]; Île-de-Montréal Co., Montréal, F. Knab [1♂, USNM]; same data, except 31.V.1941 [1♀, CEUM]; same data, except 15.VI.1961, M. Larochelle [1♂, CEUM]; same data, except 3–14.VII.1969, E. J. Kiteley [4♂ 6♀, CNC]; same data, except 17.VI, J. Ouellet [1♀, USNM]; Nicolet Co., Bécancour, 24.VI.1967, J. L. Laliberté [1♂, IDM]; Portneuf Co., Neuville, 9.VII.1939, J. Filteau [1♂ 1♀, CEUM]; Sainte-Catherine, 17.VI.1953, J. C. Aubé [1♂ 7♀, LEM]; same data, except 8.VII.1956 [2♀, LEM]; Québec Co., Sainte-Foy, 17.VI.1933, V. Boulet [1♀, CEUM]; Cap-Rouge, 27.VI.1956, J. L. Laliberté [2♂ 2♀, IDM]; Saguenay Co., Rivière Deschênes, 22.VI.1966, A. Franeslier [1♀, CEUM]; Saint-Jean Co., Cantic, 25.VI.1983, on Salix amygdaloides Andersson, A. Larochelle [1♂ 3♀, CNC]; Saint- Maurice Co., Pointe-du-Lac, 3.VII.1937 [1♀, CEUM]; Vaudreuil Co., Rigaud, 12.VII.1908, J. Ouellet [1♂, CEUM].

Pachybrachis bivittatus is typically associated with willows (Salix spp., Salicaceae) (Fall 1915; Barney 1984; Downie and Arnett 1996; Clark et al. 2004 for literature review). In Canada, MacNay (1958) reported a light infestation of Pachybrachis bivittatus on the foliage of willow along the river banks north of Coaldale, in Alberta. In eastern Canada, LeSage (personal observations) observed it on Bebb’s willow (Salix bebbiana Sarg.), sand-bar willow (Salix interior Rowlee), and stalked willow (Salix petiolaris J.E. Smith). Larochelle (see above) collected it on the peach-leaved willow (Salix amygdaloides Andersson). The larvae feed in the litter, on willow leaves, but only when they are decayed (LeSage 1985).

With its large size, bivittate elytra, and close association with willows, Pachybrachis bivittatus is one of the easiest species to identify.

Color dull yellow, with diffuse brown markings on pronotum, with more contrasting markings on elytra (Habitus 3); ocular lines absent; front tibiae of male with subapical rectangular tooth on inner margin, due to abrupt narrowing of tibia, and with long stout curved terminal spur (Figure 5c); terminal spur of front tibia of female reduced to narrow spine; male size small: length 2.09 ± 0.07 mm, width 1.106 ± 0.04 mm.

Pachybrachis calcaratus has been found across the central portion of the United States but only in small numbers (Barney, unpublished data). Within the area of this study, it is restricted to the Carolinian Life Zone in southern Ontario (Map 3).

ONTARIO: Essex Co., Roseland, 24.VI.1942, ‘compared with type’, J. A. Wilcox [1♂, CDFA]; same data, except 24.VI.1944, S. D. Hicks [1♂, CNC].

No information was recorded on the specimens collected in southern Ontario. Clark et al. (2004) reported Pachybrachis calcaratus nibbling purple loosestrife, Lythrum salicaria L. (Lythraceae), in Ohio.

Pachybrachis calcaratus is another of Fall’s (1915) Group C species that have “great variation in the degree of (elytral) maculation.” The tibial spur (Figure 5c) is a defining character. Pachybrachis calcaratus was very likely associated with the Carolinian Life Zone in southern Ontario in the past. However, it has not been seen from there for the last 68 years.

Pronotum and head generally fuscous, densely punctate and darker than elytra; elytra with puncturation dense and confused (Habitus 4); ocular lines absent; male size small: length 1.94 ± 0.12 mm, width 1.05 ± 0.08 mm.

A typical eastern species distributed from Louisiana to New York to Atlantic Coast (Riley et al. 2003), restricted to southern Ontario in eastern Canada (Map 4).

ONTARIO: Norfolk Co., Walsingham Forest Station, 28.VII.1982, ex. Potentilla or strawberry, L. LeSage [11♂ 14♀, CNC].

Cinquefoil (Potentilla sp.) and strawberry (Fragaria sp.) (both Rosaceae) are the first host associations reported for Pachybrachis cephalicus. The specimens were swept from these two plants growing in a sandy clearing within a dry oak-pine forest (LeSage, personal field notes). Since 1984, the previous Walsingham Forestry Station is part of the St. Williams Dwarf Oak Forest, the largest block of publicly owned forest in the Carolinian Life Zone (NHIC 1998).

Pachybrachis cephalicus is another of Fall’s (1915) Group C species that have “great variation in the degree of (elytral) maculation.” The fairly large number of examined specimens may be misleading since they all come from only one event. In fact, Pachybrachis cephalicus is very rarely collected in eastern Canada and known from only one locality within the Carolinian Life Zone. This is also a first record of this species for Canada.

Front femora not enlarged in comparison to those of middle and hind legs (Figure 3a); eyes small and remote (Figure 1d); antennae short, less than half body length (Habitus 5); integument densely, diffusely punctate (Figure 7c); elytra tapered to apex; male size very small: length 1.68 ± 0.07 mm, width 0.96 ± 0.07 mm.

Transcontinental, extending from California to Maine (Riley et al. 2003). In eastern Canada, Pachybrachis hepaticus hepaticus occurs in southern Ontario from Lake Ontario to the Ottawa River Valley in Québec (Map 5).

ONTARIO: Carleton Co., Jockevale, 4.VII.1934, W. J. Brown [1♂, CNC]; Ottawa, 24.VI.1995, [ex. field notes: “pinery forest preserve, on sand dunes…”], B. F. & J. L. Carr [1♀, CNC]; Essex Co., Leamington, 3.VII.1931, W. J. Brown [1♀, CNC]; same data, except 17.VI.1940 [1♂, CNC]; Point Pelee, 24.VI.1931, W. J. Brown [1♂, CNC]; Haldimand-Norfolk Cos., Turkey Point, 24.VII.1984, sweeping in marshy area, L. LeSage [1♀, CNC]; Hasting Co., 10.VII.1938, Brimley [1♀, CNC]; Norfolk Co., Forestville, 15.VI.1931, W. J. Brown [1♂, CNC]; Parry Sound Dist., Scotia Junction, 28.VII.1934, H. W. Wenzel [1♂ 1♀, OSUC]; Prince Edward Co., 22.VI.1919, Brimley [1♀, CNC]; same data, except 28.VI.1921 [1♂, CNC]; same data, except 2.VIII.1925 [1♀, CNC]; Renfrew Co., Arnprior, 20.VII.1941, W. J. Brown [1♀, CNC]; Russell Co., Mer Bleue, 18.VI.1986, W. J. Brown [1♂, CNC]; same data, except 10.VII.1936 [1♀, CNC]; Toronto Co., Toronto, F. Knab [1♀, USNM]; same data, except 26.V.1896, R. J. Crew [1♀, ROM]. Unknown Co., East Ontario, 1885 [1♀, CNC].

QUÉBEC: Deux-Montagnes Co., La Trappe, 30.VI.1931, J. Ouellet [1♂, CEUM]; same data, except 27–29.VI.1933 [21♂ 15♀, CEUM]; same data, except 23.VII.1933 [1♀, CEUM]; same data, except 28.VII.1934 [1♀, CEUM]; same data, except 20.VIII.1936 [1♂, CEUM]; same data, except 26.VIII.1946 [1♀, CEUM]; same data, except 7.VII.1949 [1♂, CEUM]; Gatineau Co., Alcove, 24.VIII.1936, W. J. Brown [1♀, CNC]; Gatineau Park, Meach Lake, 30.VII.1972, A. Davies [1♀, CNC]; Wakefield, 20.VII.1932, W. J. Brown [2♀, CNC]; Wright, 27.VI.1933, G. S. Walley [1♂, CNC]; Labelle Co., Nominingue, 29.VII.1931, J. Ouellet [3♀, CEUM]; same data, except 6–21.VII.1932 [20♂ 13♀, CEUM]; same data, except 4.VII.1933 [2♂ 1♀, CEUM]; same data, except 2.VII.1934 [1♂, CEUM]; same data, except 8.VII.1935 [1♂, CEUM]; same data, except 22.VII.1936 [2♀, MSUC]; same data, except 2.VIII.1936 [1♂, CEUM].

No plant association records were available from specimens examined. Pachybrachis hepaticus hepaticus may be a polyphagous species, considering the number of plant families listed in Clark et al. (2004): Asteraceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Juncaceae, Salicaceae, and Tamaricaceae.

Of all the species here studied, the shortest antennae (Habitus 5) and smallest eyes are found in Pachybrachis hepaticus hepaticus. Further investigation may require that a new genus is established for the eastern and western subspecies of hepaticus. Fall (1915) cited specimens from Montréal, May 24 (Liebeck Coll.); Toronto (Crew); and Scotia Junction, July 27 (Wenzel), but these specimens could not be located and examined.

Color black or piceous; ocular lines absent; pronotum and sides of elytra with few yellow marks; elytral punctures confused in scutellar area, in fairly regular rows in apical half; elytral striae deep and quite regular (Habitus 6); aedeagus with terminal nodule and denticle forming small, 90o diamond shape (Figure 10a); male size small: length 1.87 ± 0.10 mm, width 0.95 ± 0.11 mm.

A relatively rare Atlantic species distributed from Alabama to New York in the United States (Riley et al. 2003; Barney, unpublished data). The Parry Sound specimens in Ontario and those of the Île-du-Grand-Calumet in the Ottawa River are two small populations disjunct from the main Atlantic one (Map 6).

ONTARIO: Hastings Co., 20.VI.1952, J. F. Brimley [1♂, CNC]; Parry Sound Dist., Hwy. 69, 12 km S Shawanaga, 13.VII.1995, B. F. & J. L. Carr [1♂, CNC]. Leeds Co., 7.VIII.1950, ex. pine, J. F. Brimley [3♂ 12♀, CNC].

QUÉBEC: Pontiac Co., L’Île-du-Grand-Calumet, 3.VIII.1985, on Pinus resinosa Ait., Larochelle & Larivière [1♂ 1♀, CNC]; Luskville, 4.VII.1985, on Quercus rubra L., Larochelle & Larivière [1♂, CNC].

A large series was taken on pine in Leeds Co., ON. Pachybrachis luctuosus was first reported from Pinus virgiana P. Mill. in Alabama (Balsbaugh and Hays 1972). This record was extended to the northeastern states by Wilcox (1979), and assumed to be valid as well in West Virginia (Clark 2000). Specimens from Larochelle & Larivière had label notations reporting collections from Pinus resinosa Ait. and Quercus rubra L.

Pachybrachis luctuosus is another of Fall’s (1915) Group C species that have “great variation in the degree of (elytral) maculation.” Fall commented that he would not be surprised if Pachybrachis carolinensis Fallwas a paler form of Pachybrachis luctuosus. Our comparison of aedeagi of specimens identified by Fall as either luctuosus or carolinensis revealed the same, distinctive form – the subplanar surface with one median subapical denticle. Pachybrachis carolinensis appears to be a larger, more yellow variation, but more work needs to be done. Pachybrachis luctuosus is reported for the first time in Canada, and therefore, is also a first record for ON and QC.

Body dull black, densely, coarsely punctured; pronotum black with anterior median line and sides red or reddish yellow, varying to almost entirely red; elytra mottled with yellow, especially toward sides, varying to entirely yellow to entirely black (Habitus 7); front claws of male much enlarged (as in Figure 4a); male size medium: length 2.65 ± 0.23 mm, width 1.45 ± 0.12 mm.

Occuring in the eastern half of the United States (Riley et al. 2003) to the Rocky Mountains, but in Canada restricted to the Carolinian Life Zone of southern Ontario (Map 7).

ONTARIO: Essex Co., Ojibway, 9.VI.1943, S. D. Hicks [1♀, CNC]; Lambton Co., Grand Bend, 20.VII.1930, G. E. Shewell [1♀, CNC]; Simcoe Co., 19.VI.1939, G. S. Walley [1♀, CNC]; Toronto Co., Toronto, 26.VI.1896, C. T. Hills [2♂ 2♀, LEM]; same data, except 15–30.VI.1927, L. J. Milne [1♀, UNHC]; same data, except F. Knab [29♂ 20♀, USNM]; Toronto, High Park, 4.VI.1897 [3♂ 2♀, ROM]; Unknown Co., Black Creek, 14.VI.1897 [1♀, ROM]; Springfield [2♀, ROM]; Can., G. M. Greene [1♂, USNM].

No plant association records were available from Canadian specimens. In the United States, the false indigos (Baptisia leucantha T. & G., Baptisia tinctoria (L.) R. Br.) (Fabaceae) were the associations most often cited by authors (Frost 1945, details in Clark et al. 2004). However, these plants are not present in Québec (Marie-Victorin 1995), and extremely rare in southern Ontario (Scoggan 1978). Barney et al. (2011) stated that recently collected specimens in Kentucky were probably from oak (Quercus spp., Fagaceae).

Fall (1915) observed specimens from Ontario: Toronto (Wickham). However, no specimens of Pachybrachis luridus have been collected from the province in the last 68 years, and one of its potential hosts (Baptisia spp.) were always extremely rare in southern Ontario (Scoggan 1978). Consequently, Pachybrachis luridus is likely extirpated from the eastern Canadian fauna.

Pronotum usually with thick, black, M-shaped marking; elytra yellow with variable black markings, but these usually leaving basal, lateral and sutural margins yellow, in addition to a basal and median yellow spots on each elytron (Habitus 8); male size medium: length 2.59 ± 0.11 mm, width 1.42 ± 0.07 mm.

A typical eastern species distributed in the eastern half of the United States (Riley et al. 2003). Its presence in the south of the eastern Townships, in Québec, corresponds to the northernmost limit of this species (Map 8).

NEW BRUNSWICK: York Co., 15 km W of Tracy, off Rt 645, 45.6837°N, 65.8809°W, 22.vii.2007, red pine forest, sweeping foliage of Comptonia peregrina, R. P. Webster [1?, RWIC].

QUÉBEC: Châteauguay Co., Ormstown, 12.VII.1977, sweeping, E. J. Kiteley [1♀, CNC]; same data, except 30.VII.1978 [1♂, CNC]; Huntingdon Co., Covey Hill, 30.VI.1927, G. S. Walley [1♀, CNC]; same data, except 1.VII.1927, W. J. Brown [1♀, CNC].

An old record by Schwarz (1890) concerned Toxicodendron radicans (L.) Kuntze) (Anachardiaceae), but this was probably based on misidentified specimens of Pachybrachis tridens. Clark et al. (2004) reviewed the literature. More recently, Webster swept it from Comptonia peregrina (Myricaceae) (Webster et al. 2012). Recent surveying in Kentucky barrens/prairies by Barney et al. (2011) cited Pachybrachis m-nigrum collected from and found to feed on St. John’s-wort, Hypericum dolabriforme Vent. (Clusiaceae) (Barney and Hall (2011)).

Based upon external morphlogy, these specimens appear to be Pachybrachis m-nigrum. However, extensive dissections of material from across the eastern half of the US reveal an externally similar species, but with a distinctly different aedeagus, from the midwestern states (Barney, unpublished data).

Pronotum strongly alutaceous and opaque, more finely punctate than elytra. In subspecies difficilis, black stripes usually complete and distinct (Habitus 9a), but in some specimens fused together. In subspecies carbonarius, elytra largely black (Habitus 9b), margined with yellow, or with yellow at edge of elytra in some females (Habitus 9c); male size small: length 2.20 ± 0.14 mm, width 1.21 mm ± 0.06 mm (difficilis); length 2.10 ± 0.07 mm, width 1.17 ± 0.04 mm (carbonarius).

The species Pachybrachis nigricornis is distributed across the eastern two-thirds of North America (Riley et al. 2003). The distribution of the subspecies remains a subject of debate (Balsbaugh and Tucker 1976; Barney and Hall 2009) (Map 9).

NEW BRUNSWICK: Kent Co., Kouchibouguac National Park, 7.VII.1978, Code 7785K, H. Goulet [3♂, CNC]; same data except Code 7754F [1♂ 1♀, CNC]; same data, except 13.VII.1977, code 5599I, G.A. Calderwood [1♂ 1♀, CNC]; same data, except 4.VIII.1977, code 5779G [1♂, CNC]; same data, except 25.VIII.1977, code 5849Y, S.J. Miller [1♂ 1♀, CNC]; Queens Co., Jemseg, 18.VI.1981, ex. Potentilla simplex, L. LeSage & D. Ward [1♀, CNC].

ONTARIO: Carleton Co., Britannia, 14.VI.1949, R. de Ruette [2♀, CNC]; Constance Bay, 12.VII.1996, lot 3, B. F. & J. L. Carr [1♀, CNC]; Innis Point, 9–16.VII.1985, Interception trap, J. Denis & L. Dumouchel [1♂, CNC]; Ottawa, 17.VII.1912, G. Ouellet [1♀, IDM]; Hasting Co., Trenton, 28.V.2000, Evans [1♂, CNC]; Kenora Co., Berens River, 4–9.VII.1938, W. J. Brown [1♂ 1♀, CNC]; Hwy 17, 15 km east of Borups Corners, 23.VI.1996, lot 2, B. F. & J. L. Carr [1♀, CNC]; Leeds Co., Saint-Lawrence Island National Park, Grenadier Island Center, 27.V.1975, sweeping, E. Sigler [1♀, CNC]; Lennox - Addington Co. Kaladar, 21.VII.1996, lot 3, B. F. & J. L. Carr [1♂, CNC]; Muskoka Co., Bala, 24.VI.1956, W. J. Brown [3♂ 11♀, CNC]; Nipissing Co., Algonquin Provincial Park near Brent, 19.VIII.1980, R. Baranowski [1♀, CNC]; Hwy11, 30 km north of North Bay, 14.VII.1995, lot 3, B. F. & J. L. Carr [1♂ 1♀, CNC]; Hwy 17, 13 km west of Mattawa, 14.VI.1995, lot 1, B. F. & J. L. Carr [2♀, CNC]; Parry Sound Co., Parry Sound, 12.VII.1961, G. Brumpton [2♂, CNC]; same data, except 12.VII.1995, lot 1, B. F. & J. L. Carr [1♂, CNC]; Hwy 69, 12 km south Shawanaga, 13.VII.1995, Lot 3, B. F. & J. L. Carr [1♀, CNC]; Prescott Co., Alfred Bog, 8.VI.1982, breeding, ex. Cassandra calyculata, L. LeSage [4♂ 4♀, CNC]; same data, except 4.VI.1982, ex. Ericaceae [2♂ 4♀, CNC]; Prince Edward Co., 23.VI.1933, J. F. Brimley [1♀, CNC]; same data, except 1.VII.1936 [1♂, CNC]; same data, except 28.VI.1939 [1♂, CNC]; same data, except 19.VII.1942 [1♂, CNC]; same data, except 11–18.VI.1947 [12♂ 7♀, CNC]; same data, except 9.VI.1948 [8♂ 7♀, CNC]; same data, except 21.VI.1950 [2♀, CNC]; same data, except 17.VI.1953 [8♂ 14♀, CNC]; same data, except 19.VII.1961 [1♂, CNC]; same data, except 2.VII.2000, Evans [1♀, CNC]; Russell Co., Mer Bleue, 13.VI.1932, W. J. Brown [2♂ 1♀, CNC]; same data, except 30.VI.1932 [5♂, CNC]; same data, except 26.VII.1932 [1♂, CNC]; same data, except 30.VI.1934 [1♂, CNC]; same data, except 10.VIII.1936 [1♂, CNC]; same data, except 25.VII.1932, L. J. Milne [6♂ 3♀, CNC]; same data, except 29.VI.1954, E. C. Becker [2♂ 2♀, CNC]; same data, except 3.VII.1981, ex. Cassandra calyculata, L. LeSage [1♂ 1♀, CNC]; same data, except 30.VII.1979, sweeping, H. Goulet [1♂, CNC]; Sudbury Co., Sudbury, 1898 [1♀, CNC]; Thunder Bay Co., Manitouwadge, paper yard, 3.VII.1985, T. Baker [1♂ 1♀, CNC]; 59 km north junction of highways 516 & 599, 24.VI.1992, lot 1 B. F. & J. L. Carr [1♂, CNC].

QUÉBEC: Beauce Co., Beauceville, 21.VI.1937, Frère Étienne-Maurice [1♀, CEUM]; Bonaventure Co., Cascapédia, 22.VI.1933, W.J. Brown [1♂ CNC]; same data, except 9.VII.1933 [1♂, CNC]; same data, except 16.VIII.1933 [1♀, CNC]; Châteauguay Co., Ormstown, 12.VII.1977, E. J. Kiteley, sweeping [1♂, CNC]; Deux-Montagnes Co., La Trappe, VII.1933 [1♂ 1♀, autolycus, var. difficillis Fall, Fall-MCZ]; same data, except 25.V.1929, P. Leopold [4♀, CEUM]; same data, except 2–19.VI.1936 [1♀, CEUM]; same data, except 21.VI.1933, J. Ouellet [5♂ 3♀, CEUM]; same data, except 23.VII.1933 [1♂, CEUM]; same data, except 3–28.VII.1934 [2♂ 1♀, CEUM]; same data, except 3–17.VII.1935 [1♂ 1♀, CEUM]; same data, except 15.VI.1946 [1♂, CEUM]; Gatineau Co., Aylmer, 11.VI.1932, W. J. Brown [6♂ 4♀, CNC]; Gracefield, 22.VI.1937, O. Peck [1♂, CNC]; Kazabazua, 28.VIII.1928, W. J. Brown [1♀, CNC]; Lytton, 1.VII.1981, weeds, side of road, A. Larochelle [1♂, CNC]; Mont King, Parc de la Gatineau 7–14.VII.1997, L. LeSage & C. Lacroix [1♂ CNC]; Huntingdon Co., Saint-Antoine- Abbé, 16.VI.1983, fern, A. Larochelle [2♀, CNC]; Joliette Co., Joliette, 12.VII.1922, J. Ouellet [1♂ 2♀, CEUM]; Labelle Co., Nominingue, 21.VII.1932 [1♂, autolycus, var. difficillis Fall, Fall-MCZ]; same data, except 12–19.VII.1932, J. Ouellet [4♂ 3♀, CEUM]; same data, except 4.VII.1934, L. Daviault [1♀, CEUM]; Lac-Saint-Jean-Ouest Co., Mistassini, 28.VII.1944, A. Robert [1♂ 1♀, CEUM]; Montcalm Co., Parc du Mont-Tremblant, 22.VI.1956, A. Robert [1♀, CEUM]; same data, except 11.VII.1961 [1♀, CEUM]; Pontiac Co., Beech Grove, 10.VIII.1966, H. Goulet [1♂, CNC]; Portneuf Co., Sainte-Catherine, 3.VII.1956, J. C. Aubé [1♀, LEMC]; Territoires-du-Nouveau-Québec Co., Casa-Berardi, 22–29.VI.1997, interception trap, P. Paquin [2♂, LEM]; same data, except 6–27.VII.1997 [4♂ 2♀, LEM]; same data, except 3–24.VIII.1997 [3♂ 1♀, LEM]; Chemin Selbale, 6–27.VII.1997, interception trap, P. Paquin [1♂ 4♀, LEM].

Although over 200 specimens were examined, the only potential host plants recorded by collectors were Cassandra calyculata (L.) D. Don (Ericaceae) and Potentilla simplex Michx. (Rosaceae). Balsbaugh and Tucker (1976) reported that they collected series of carbonarius on wild strawberry (Fragaria sp.) (Rosaceae), and tick-trefoil (Desmodium sp.) (Fabaceae) in Alabama. Barney and Hall (2009) reared the same subspecies on Desmodium paniculatum L. DC and Lespedeza virginica (L.) Britton (Fabaceae) in Kentucky.

Balsbaugh and Tucker (1976) and Riley et al. (2003) recognized Pachybrachis nigricornis as having four subspecies in North America. Fall (1915) described Pachybrachis autolycus as a separate species with two “varieties”, and he added the variety janus to Pachybrachis carbonarius, which he also recognized as a separate species. Specimens from each of the provinces of NB, ON and QC included an assortment of var. carbonarius, var. difficilis, and the yellow variation of carbonarius as per Barney and Hall (2009). In the “Material examined” section above, the QC specimens from Fall’s personal collection (Fall-MCZ) are listed, with an indication of his identification label of autolycus, var. difficillis.

Background color yellow, with numerous, usually not sharply outlined black spots on both pronotum and elytra (Habitus 10); eyes distant; ocular lines faint; male size small: length 1.87 ± 0.16 mm, width 0.98 ± 0.08 mm.

Species broadly distributed from North Dakota to New Mexico to Atlantic Coast in the United States (Riley et al. 2003), and in Canada from British Columbia to New Brunswick. In eastern Canada, it is found in Ontario, Québec and New Brunswick (Map 10).

NEW BRUNSWICK: Kent Co., Kouchibouguac National Park, 21.VII.1977, Code 5680L, D. J. Brown [1♀, CNC]; same data, except 17.VII.1978, Code 7291K, D. B. Lyons [1♀, CNC]; Queens Co., Canning Grand Lake near Flowers Cove, 1.VII.2004, D. Sabine and R. Webster [2♂ 2♀, RWIC]; White’s Cove, Grand Lake, 24.VII.1957, ex. Salix lucida [2♂ 2♀, CNC]; Sunbury Co., 9.5 km NE Jct. 101 & 645, 22.VII.2007, R. P. Webster [1♀, RWIC]; York Co., Fredericton, French Lake, 20.VII.1931, C. W. Maxwell [1♀, LEM]; Fredericton, 22.VII.1936, R. E. Balch [1♀, CNC]; French Lake, 2.VI.1928, W. J. Brown [1♀, CNC].

ONTARIO: Carleton Co., Carp, 5.VII.1932, W. J. Brown [1♂, CNC]; Merivale, 16.VII.1936, W. J. Brown [2♀, CNC]; Stittsville, 18.VII.1963, J. F. McAlpine [1♂, CNC]; Stittsville, 18.VIII.1963, Malaise trap [1♀, CNC]; Durham Co., Durham, VI.1969, [1♀, CNC]; Hastings Co., 10.VII.1938, J. F. Brimley [2♀, CNC]; same data, except 16.VII.1950 [2♀, CNC]; same data, except 31.VI.1936 [1♀, CNC]; Marmora, 19.VI.1952, J. R. Vocheroth [1♂, CNC]; same data, except 4.VII.1952, J. R. McGillis [1♀, CNC]; same data, except 18.VIII.1952, E. H. N. Smith [1♀, CNC]; Kent Co., Tilbury, 20.VIII.1947, on willow, S. D. Hicks [1♀, CNC]; Lambton Co., Grand Bend, 11.VII.1939, G.E. Shewell [1♀, CNC]; same data except 20.VII.1939 [1♀, CNC]; Lanark Co., Bell’s Corners, 6.VI.1942, F.I. Survey 1942, Rec 5436C, White Pine [1♀, CNC]; Leeds Co., Mulcaster Island, Saint-Lawrence Island National Park, 17.VIII.1976, Sweeping Pinus strobus, Code 4438, W. Reid [1♀, CNC]; Thwartway Island, Saint-Lawrence Island National Park, 18.VII.1976, Malaise trap, Code 4147-M, W. Reid [3♀, CNC]; Middlesex Co., Coldstream, 22.VI.1922, A. A. Wood [1♂ 5♀, CNC]; Nipissing Co., North Bay, 11.VII.1972, E. J. Kiteley [1♂, CNC]; Peterborough Co., 3.VII.1958, J. F. Brimley [1♀, CNC]; Prescott, Co., Alfred Bog, 7.VI.1982, sweeping vegetation in a bog, L. LeSage [2♂, CNC]; Prince Edward Co., 12.VII.1914, J. F. Brimley [1♀, CNC]; same data, except 29.XI.1914 [1♀, CNC]; same data, except 11.VII.1920 [1♂, CNC]; same data, except 15–30.VII.1922, J. F. Brimley [3♀, CNC]; same data, except 19.VI.1926 [1♀, CNC]; same data, except 6.VII.1935 [1♂, CNC]; same data, except 28.VI.1936 [1♀, CNC]; same data, except 26.VII.1936 [1♀, CNC]; same data, except 17.VIII.1938 [1♀, CNC]; same data, except 9.VII.1941 [1♀, CNC]; same data, except 5.VII.1942 [3♀, CNC]; same data, except 18.VI.1947 [1♀, CNC]; same data, except 29.VIII.1948 [1♀, CNC]; same data, except 29.VI.1949 [1♀, CNC]; same data, except 31.VIII.1949 [1♂, CNC]; same data, except 19.VII.1950 [1♀, CNC]; same data, except VII.1953 [2♂ 4♀, USNM]; same data, except 24.VII.1955 [1♀, CNC]; same data, except 29.VII.1956 [4♂ 10♀, CNC]; same data, except 26.VI.1966 [1♀, CNC]; Renfrew Co., Chalk River, 3.VIII.1937, J. M. Cameron [1♀, LEM]; Russell Co., Mer Bleue, 30.VI.1932, W. J. Brown [1♀, CNC]; same data, except 17.VII.1936 [1♀, CNC]; same data, except 2.VII.1938, G. E. Shewell [1♂, CNC]; Sudbury Co., Sudbury, 4.VIII.1979, R. S. Anderson [1♀, CNC]; Thunder Bay Dist., Black Sturgeon Lake, 1–15.VIII.1956, Lindberg [1♂1♀, CNC]; Jarvis Island, 20.VIII.1952, on white pine, J. F. McAlpine [1♂, CNC]; Manitouwadge, 22.VI.1988, T. Baker [1♂, CNC]; same data, except 30.VII.1992 [1♂, CNC]; Toronto Co., Toronto, 27.V.1896, H. R. [1♀, LEM]; Quetico Provincial Park, 8.VIII.1982, C. B. Barr [2♀, LSAM]; Unknown Co., East Ontario [1♀, CNC].

QUÉBEC: Abitibi Co., Duparquet, 7.VIII.1983, ex. Pinus banksiana Lamb., A. Larochelle [1♀, CNC]; Berthier Co., Berthierville, 8.VII.1950, A. Robert [1♀, CEUM]; Lanoraie, VII.1935, G. Chagnon [1♀, H. C. Fall, CEUM]; Charlevoix-Est Co., Clermont, 17.VIII.1982, ex. Pinus strobus L., A, Larochelle [2♀, CNC]; Port-au-Saumon, 19.VIII.1982, ex. spruce sp., A. Larochelle [1♂, CNC]; Drummond Co., Saint-Cyrille, 10.VII.1982, ex. Cassandra calyculata, L. LeSage [1♂ 1♀, CNC]; Gatineau Co., Wakefield, 5.VIII.1974, ex. Pinus strobus, R. Sexton [1♀, CNC]; Île-Jésus Co., Île-Jésus, 5.VII.1935, G. Chagnon [1♀, CEUM]; Montcalm Co., Parc du Mont-Tremblant, 13.VIII.1932, A. Robert [1♂, CEUM]; Montgomery Co., Saint-Jean-d’Orléans, 22.VII.1957, J. L. Laliberté [1♀, IDM]; Montmagny Co. Montmagny, 8.VIII.1981, ex. Pinus strobus L., A. Larochelle [1♀, CNC]; Pontiac Co., Beech Grove, 15.VIII.1948, S. D. Hicks [3♀, CNC]; Saguenay Co., Grandes-Bergeronnes, 15.VIII.1982, ex. Pinus resinosa Ait., A, Larochelle [1♀, CNC]; Stanstead Co., Barnston, 26.VIII.1984, ex. Thuya sp., Larochelle & Larivière [1♀, CNC]; Terrebonne Co., Terrebonne, 1.VII.1933, J. Ouellet [1♀, CEUM]; Vaudreuil Co., Rigaud, 19.VII.1985, ex. Pinus strobus L., Larochelle & Larivière [2♀, CNC]; same data except 20.V.1977, sweeping sumac sp., E. J. Kiteley [1♀, CNC]; Saint-Lazare, 6.VIII.1985, ex. Betula papyrifera Marsh., A. Larochelle [1♂, CNC].

Pachybrachis obsoletus may be associated with peat bogs in eastern Canada. Specimens were collected in Alfred Bog (Pope 2011), and Mer Bleue (NCC 2011b; Wikipedia 2011), two well-known bogs of Ontario. The Lanoraie specimens, in Québec, were collected in an ecological preserve, which includes several fens and bogs (MDDEP 2011). Larochelle specimens, also from Québec, had a wide range of potential plant associations. Leather leaf (Cassandra calyculata (L.) D. Don.) (Ericaceae) is definitively a host (LeSage, collecting and personal observations), whereas the beetles’ presence on white pine (Pinus strobus) (Pinaceae) is very likely incidental. Sweeping from willows (Salix spp.) (Salicaceae) was reported by Barney et al. (2011). Additionally, Pachybrachis obsoletus was reported as causing light injury to cultivated roses in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, but the species identification cannot be confirmed (Arnason 1942, 1943; Arnason et al. 1946; King et al. 1944, 1945; Campbell et al. 1989).

Pachybrachis obsoletus has a broad distribution from Manitoba to Oklahoma and eastwards to the Atlantic Ocean, with Alberta and British Columbia disjunct from this main area (Riley et al. 2003). It is reported here for the first time from NB.

Body robust. Pronotum black, with all margins and narrow median anterior stripe yellow; each elytron black, with rather narrow sub sutural, discal and marginal vittae yellow; legs yellow. Punctures of pronotum larger and denser than those on elytra; elytral punctures in somewhat regular rows on disc and sides (Habitus 11); male size medium: length 2.63 ± 0.12 mm, width 1.56 ± 0.09 mm.

A typical eastern species distributed from North Dakota to Texas to the Atlantic Coast in the United States (Riley et al. 2003), and in the south of Ontario and Québec in eastern Canada (Map 11).

ONTARIO: Carleton Co., Britannia, 17.VI.1948, S. D. Hicks [1♂, CNC]; same data, except 23.VI.1950, R. de Ruette [1♀, CNC]; Constance Bay, 14.VII.1950, S. D. Hick [1♀, CNC]; Dirleton, 4.VII.1956, S. D. Hicks [1♀, CNC]; Ottawa, 7.VIII.1914, F. G. Ouellet [1♂, IDM]; same data, except 15.VII.1957, J. E. H. Martin [1♂, CNC]; Essex Co., Leamington, 24.VI.1940, W. J. Brown [1♀, CNC]; Ojibway, 27.VI.1943, S. D. Hicks [1♀, CNC]; same data, except 10.VI.1944 [1♂, CNC]; Roseland, 17–24.VI.1944, S. D. Hicks [1♂ 3♀, CNC]; same data, except 17.VI.1946 [2♀, CNC]; same data, except 30.VI.–13.VII.1946 [2♂ 9♀, CNC]; Halton Co., Burlington, 1920, G. M. Stirrett [1♂ 1♀, CNC]; Hastings Co., Chatterton, 16.VII.1950, J. F. Brimley [2♂, CNC]; same data, except 2.VII.1951, J. C. Martin [1♀, CNC]; Marmora, 6.VII.1951, J. F. McAlpine [1♂, CNC]; same data, except 29.VIII.1952, C. Boyle [1♂, CNC]; Lanark Co., Bell’s Corners, 15–26.VI.1950, S. D. Hicks [1♂ 2♀, CNC]; same data, except 4.VII.1950 [1♀, CNC]; Niagara Co., St. Catherines, Decew Falls, 27.VII.1940, S. D. Hick [1♀, CNC]; Toronto Co., Kingsport, 3.VII.1965, D. D. Munroe [1♂ 1♀, CNC]; Toronto, 26.VI.1896, C. T. Hills [1♂ 2♀, LEM]; same data, except 27.V.1896 [1♂ 2♀, LEM]; same data, except 9.VI.1905, E. C. Oakley [3♀, ROM]; same data, except F. Knab [3♂ 1♀, USNM]; Wentworth Co., Ancaster, 10.VII.1965, J. E. Martin [2♂, CNC].

QUÉBEC: Berthier Co., Berthierville, 27.VII.1938, J. Ouellet [1♀, CEUM]; same data, except 8.VII.1950 [1♀, CEUM]; Lanoraie, 1.VII.1932 [1♂, CEUM]; Chambly Co., Boucherville, 1.VII, J. Ouellet [1♀, CEUM]; Deux-Montagnes Co., Saint-Eustache, 12.VIII.1917, J. Ouellet [2♀, CEUM]; Saint-Placide, 13.VII.1931, J. Ouellet [1♀, CEUM]; Gatineau Co., Aylmer, 21.VII.2009, ex. Hypericum, Lythrum, Daucus, graminées, etc, L. LeSage [1♀, CNC]; Île-de- Montréal Co., Montréal, 14.VII.1904, Beaulieu [1♀, USNM]; Joliette Co., Joliette, 12.VII.1909, J. Ouellet [1♀, CEUM]; same data, except 7–13.VII.1922 [29♂ 46♀, CEUM]; Napierville Co., Saint-Rémi, 1.VII.1920, J. Ouellet [1♂ 1♀, CEUM]; Papineau Co., Montebello, 16.VII.1937, J. Ouellet [1♀, CEUM]; Pontiac Co., Beech Grove, 18.VII.1951, J. F. McAlpine [1♀, CNC]; Yarm, 23.VII.1955, C. H. Mann [1♂, CNC]; Vaudreuil Co., Hudson Heights, 24–30.VII.1956, Lindberg [1♀, CNC]; Rigaud, 5.VII.1920, J. Ouellet [2♂ 1♀, CEUM].

No specific plant associations were recorded on labels of specimens examined. Chagnon (1937, 1940) and Chagnon and Robert (1962) gave willow (Salix sp.) (Salicaceae) as a host in Québec, but Pachybrachis othonus was reported on a large number of questionable “hosts” by authors (details in Clark et al. 2004). Barney and Hall (2011) reported feeding, mating and oviposition on Desmodium marilandicum (L.) (Fabaceae).

Balsbaugh (1973) and Riley et al. (2003) recognized Pachybrachis othonus as having three subspecies in North America.More information on habitats and hosts are needed on Pachybrachis othonus othonus, which is one of the easiest species to recognize.

Ocular lines prominent (Figure 2a); males with enlarged foreleg claws (Figures 4a, b); color extremely variable, ranging from yellowish with faint black spots to almost black speckled with small yellow marks (Habitus 12); male size small: length 2.15 ± 0.16 mm, width 1.13 ± 0.09 mm.

Transcontinental species, widely distributed from Texas to Yukon to Atlantic Coast (LeSage 1991; Riley et al. 2003). Found in eastern Canada from Ontario to Prince Edward Island (Map 12).

NEW BRUNSWICK: Kent Co., Kouchibouguac National Park, 5–6.VII.1977, M. Ivanochko [40♂ 28♀, CNC]; same data, except 5–19.VII.1977, S. J. Miller [2♂ 7♀, CNC]; same data, except 8–13.VIII.1977 [2♂ 1♀, CNC]; same data, except 27.VII.1977, G. A. Calderwood [1♀, CNC]; same data, except 4.VIII.1977 [1♂ 1♀, CNC]; same data, except 16.VI.1978, D. B. Lyons [1♂, CNC]; Kings Co., Mechanic’s Lake, 30.VII.1926 [1♂, CNC]; Penobsquis, 21–31.VII.1926, C. A. Frost [1♂ 2♀, CNC]; Queens Co., Canning Grand Lake near Flowers Cove, 1.VII.2004, D. Sabine and R. Webster [1♂, RWIC]; Saint John Co., St. John, 8.VII.1902, W. McIntosch [1♀, USNM]; same data, except 19.VI.1981, sweeping vegetation, D. R. Ward [1♂ 1♀, CNC]; York Co., New Maryland Charters Settlement, 27.VI.2004, R. P. Webster [1♂, RWIC].

NOVA SCOTIA: Annapolis Co., Annapolis Royal, 21.VII.1928, W. J. Brown [1♂ 1♀, CNC]; Inverness Co., Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Grande Falaise, 30 m, 0.5 km north, 9.VI.1983, forest, flood plain, H. Goulet [1♂, CNC]; Kings Co., Kentville, 20.VI.1981, sweeping, D. Ward [1♀, CNC]; Queens Co., Greenfield Queens, 13.VI.1910, P. G. Bolster [1♀, MCZ]; Port Medway & vic. Queen, 7–20.VII.1910 [2♂ 2♀, MCZ].

ONTARIO: Algoma Dist., Lake Superior Provincial Park, Agawa Bay Campground, 8.VII.1970, ROM Field Party [1♂ 2♀, ROM]; Carleton Co., Britannia, 14.VI.1949, R. de Ruette [1♂, CNC]; Britannia Bay, 3.VI.1959, S. D. Hicks [2♂ 1♀, CNC]; Britannia Heights, 16.VII.1958, S. D. Hicks [1♀, CNC]; same data, except 7.VII.1961, ex. Populus balsamifera [17♂ 12♀, CNC]; Constance Bay, 30.VIII.1982, L. J. Milne [1♀, CNC]; Ottawa, 14.VI.1972, F. G. Ouellet [1♀, IDM]; Cochrane Dist., Smoky Falls, Mattagami River, 6.VII.1934, G. S. Walley [1♂, CNC]; Timmins, 16.VI.1982, on plants in gravel, J. Pilny [1♀, CNC]; same data, except Mattagami River, 48°30'N, 81°15'W, 16.VI.1982, Pilny & Motz [2♀, CNC]; Essex Co., Belle River, 26.V.1946, S. D. Hicks [1♀, CNC]; Leamington, 4.VI.1937, G. S. Walley [1♂ 3♀, CNC]; Ojibway, 9.VI.1943, S. D. Hicks [2♂ 2♀, CNC]; same data, except 28.V.1944 [1♂ 1♀, CNC]; Pelee Island, VI.24, R. C. Osburn [1♂, OSU]; same data, except 3.VII.1931, W. J. Brown [2♀, CNC]; same data, except 11.VI.1940, ex. Salix [6♂ 4♀, CNC]; Point Pelee, 23–29.VI.1931, W. J. Brown [18♂ 18♀, CNC]; same data, except 3.VII.1931 [1♂ 1♀, CNC]; same data, except 29.V.1940 [3♂ 2♀, CNC]; same data, except 1.VII.1940 [1♂ 2♀, CNC]; same data, except 3.VI.1929, L. J. Milne [5♂ 5♀, CNC]; same data, except 1.VI.1933, ex. willow, G. M. Stirrett [2♂ 4♀, 6, CNC]; same data, except 19–20.V.1955, ex. Salix interior, S. D. Hicks [2♂ 8♀, CNC]; same data, except 30.V.1929, G. S. Walley [3♂ 3♀, CNC]; same data, except 25.VI.1920, N. K. Bigelow [1♂ 1♀, ROM]; Point Pelee National Park, 6.VI.1981, ex. Salix spp., L. LeSage & D. Ward [1♂, CNC]; same data, except 29.VII.1982, L. LeSage [1♂ 1♀, CNC]; Haldimand Co., Dunville, 30.V.1954, R. Plath [1♂ 1♀, USNM]; Hastings Co., Marmora, 1.VII.1952, sweep from Rubus spp., G. P. Holland [1♀, CNC]; Kenora Dist., Malachi, 13–14.VII.1947, W. Y. Watson [1♂ 1♀, ROM]; Willard Lake, 22.VI.1992, lot 1, B.F. & J.L. Carr [1♂, CNC]; Kent Co., Erieau, 26.VI.1932, ex. Cornus sp., G. M. Stirrett [5♂ 4♀, CNC]; Rondeau Park, 3.VI.1981, L. LeSage [3♂ 11♀, CNC]; same data, except 4.VI.1981, ex. Salix spp. [2♀, CNC]; same data, except 29.V.1985, marsh trail [2♂ 3♀, CNC]; same data, except 28.V.1985, sandy beach [1♀, CNC]; same data, except 7.VI.1981, sifted litter under willows, L. LeSage & D. Ward [4♂ 7♀, CNC]; same data, except 3.VI.1981, sweep willow and grasses, D. Ward [1♂, CNC]; same data, except 5.VI.1985, under willow, J. M. Campbell & A. Davies [1♂, CNC]; Lanark Co., Bell’s Corner, 30.VI.1950, S. D. Hicks [1♀, CNC]; Niagara Co., Ridgeway, A. H. Kilman [1♀, ROM]; Nipissing Dist., Algonquin Park, 18.VI.1922, J. McDunnough [2♀, CNC]; same data, except 4.VII.1965, W. F. O. [1♀, CNC]; North Bay, 11.VII.1972, E. J. Kiteley [1♀, CNC]; North Bay, Trout Creek, 25.VI.1984, willow [1♀, CNC]; Norfolk Co., Hemlock, 9.VIII.1945, ex. Salix, G. M. Stirrett [1♂ 1♀, CNC]; Turkey Point, 8.VI.1931, W. J. Brown [2♂ 1♀, CNC]; same data, except 24.VII.1984, sweeping in marshy area, L. LeSage [5♂ 1♀, CNC]; Walsingham Forestry Station, 25.VII.1984, sweeping in ditch, L. LeSage [1♂ 3♀, CNC]; Parry Sound Dist., Burk’s Falls, 14.VII.1926, F. P. Ide [1♀, CNC]; Scotia Junction, 28.VIII.1934, H. W. Wenzel [1♂, OSU]; Peel Co., Port Credit, 4.VII.1908 [1♂, ROM]; Peterborough Co., Hastings, 2.VI.1934, J. F. Brimley [2♀, CNC]; same data, except 31.VI.1934 [1♀, CNC]; same data, except 9.VI.1935 [1♀, CNC]; same data, except 4.VI.1950 [1♀, CNC]; same data, except 5.IX.1956 [2♀, CNC]; Prince Edward Co., same data, except 9–13.VII.1941 [1♀, CNC]; same data, except 24.VII.1945 [1♀, CNC]; Prince Edward Co., Picton, 22.VI.1985, M. Davis [1♀, CNC]; Rainy River Dist., 13–15.VII.1924, J. F. Brimley [2♀, CNC]; same data, except 24.VIII.1924 [1♀, CNC]; Renfrew Co., Petawawa, 17.VI.1980, ex. Comptonia peregrina, L. LeSage [1♀, CNC]; Sudbury Dist., Sudbury 1988 [1♂ 1♀, CNC]; same data, except Wickham [1♀, USNM]; Thunder Bay Dist., Black Sturgeon Lake, 1–15.VIII.1956, Lindberg [7♂ 24♀, CNC]; Manitouwadge, 22.VII.1983, T. Baker [2♀, CNC]; same data, except 7.VII.1991, on weeds near woodpile pine logs, [1♂, CNC]; same data, except 21.VI.1992 [1♀, CNC]; 59 km north of junction of highway 516 & 599, 24.VI.1992, lot 2, B.F. & J.L. Carr [1♀, CNC]; Timiskaming Dist., Elk Lake, 30.VI.1958, G. H. Dieke [1♂, USNM]; Toronto Co., Toronto, F. Knab [10♂ 6♀, USNM]; same data, except 2.VII.1894, [1♀, ROM]; same data, except VII.1933 [2♂ 2♀, ROM]; same data, except 30.V.1896, H. R. [1♂ 1♀, LEM]; same data, except 26.VI.1896, C. T. Hills [1♀, LEM]; same data, except 20.VI.1908, R. J. Crew [1♀, ROM]; same data, except 8.VI.1926, E. C. Oakley [1♂ 2♀, LEM]; same data, except VII.1933, L. J. Milne [2♀, UNHC]; Victoria Co., Fenelon Falls, Lindsay, 17.VI.1959, ex. Salix sp., F.I.S. [1♂, CNC]; Unknown Co., Sultan road, 68 km west of junction of highway 144, 26.VI.1996, Lot 2, B.F. & J.L. Carr [1♂ 2♀, CNC].

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND: Kings Co., Souris, 12.VII.1993, ex. lowbush blueberry, M. E. M. Smith [2♂ 1♀, CNC]; Queens Co., PEI National Park Stanhope Campground, 13.VIII.1991, D. S. Chandler [2♂, UNHC].

QUÉBEC: Abitibi Co., Saint-Vital-de-Clermont, 9.VIII.1983, sweeping weeds in Pinus banksiana Lamb. forest, A. Larochelle [1♂, CNC]; Argenteuil Co., Saint-Philippe-d’Argenteuil, 21.VI.1983, ex. Betula populifolia Marsh., Larochelle [1♂, CNC]; Arthabaska Co., Blandford, 21.VI.1980, ex. Salix sp., A. Larochelle [1♀, CNC]; Bellechasse Co., Saint-Étienne, 1.VI.1980, J. C. Aubé [3♂ 2♀, LEM]; Berthier Co., Berthierville, 4.VI.1944, A. Robert [1♀, CEUM]; Bonaventure Co., Carleton, 29.VII.1981, waste land on weeds, A. Larochelle [1♂, CNC]; Cascapédia, 11–14.VI.1933, W. J. Brown [7♂ 12♀, CNC]; Port-Daniel, 30.VII.1981, field on weeds, A. Larochelle [1♂, CNC]; Brome Co., Knowlton, 10–12.VII.1928, G. H. Fish [2♂ 1♀, CNC]; Champlain Co., La Tuque. 8.VIII.1981, ex. Myrica asplenifolia L., A. Larochelle [1♀, CNC]; Chicoutimi Co., Jonquière, 27.VI.1970, ex. Populus tremuloides, C. Chantz [1♂, AJGC]; Deux-Montagnes Co., La Trappe, 25.V.1929, P. Leopold [1♀, CEUM]; same data, except 27.VI.1933, J. Ouellet [3♂ 1♀, Det. by H. C. Fall, CEUM]; same data, except 2.VII.1933 [2♂ 1♀, CEUM]; same data, except 28.VI.1935 [14♂ 19♀, CEUM]; same data, except 23.VII.1950 [2♂ 2♀, CEUM]; Saint-Placide, 4.VI.1933 [1♀, CEUM]; Gaspé-Est Co., Gaspé, 7.VII.1931 [1♂, Fall-MCZ]; same data, except 25.VII.1954, W. J. Brown [1♂ 2♀, CNC]; Percé, 30.VII.1981, roadside, on weeds, A. Larochelle [1♀, CNC]; Val-d’Espoir, 18.VIII.1939, J. Ouellet [1♀, CEUM]; Gatineau Co., Lytton, 1.VII.1981, ex. Salix sp., A. Larochelle [1♀, CNC]; Île-de- Montréal Co., Montréal, 28.VI, J. Ouellet [1♀, CEUM]; same data, except 2.VII.1917 [1♂, CEUM]; same data, except 30.V.1940, A. Robert [2♂ 3♀, CEUM]; same data, except 15.VI.1951, M. Larochelle [1♀, CEUM]; same data, except 17.VI.1980, E. J. Kiteley [1♀, CNC]; same data, except 30.V.1981 [1♂, CNC]; Joliette Co., Joliette, 15.VII.1924 [1♂, Fall- MCZ]; same data, except, 15.VII.1917, J. Ouellet [3♀, CEUM]; same data, except 7–13.VII.1922 [2♂ 2♀, CEUM]; same data, except 7–15.VII.1924 [15♂ 5♀, CEUM]; same data, except 12.VI.1930 [1♂, CEUM]; Kamouraska Co., Sully, 24–26.VI.1936, J. Ouellet [33♂ 45♀, CEUM]; same data, except 1–2.VII.1936 [17♂ 26♀, CEUM]; same data, except 9.VII.1936 [25♂ 24♀, CEUM]; same data, except 13–14.VII.1936 [18♂ 22♀, CEUM]; same data, except 21.VII.1936 [2♂ 4♀, CEUM]; Labelle Co., Lac Saguay, 19.VI.1981, ex. Salix sp., A. Larochelle [1♀, CNC]; Nominingue, 25.VIII.1930, J. Ouellet [1♀, CEUM]; same data, except 12–24.VII.1932 [22♂ 37♀, CEUM]; same data, except 24.VII.1933, A. Robert [1♂ 2♀, CEUM]; same data, except 19.VI.1934, L. Daviault [1♂, CEUM]; same data, except 21.VII.1932 [1♀, Fall- MCZ]; Lévis Co., Lauzon, 29.VI.1932, J. Ouellet [1♀, CEUM]; Montcalm Co., Parc du Mont-Tremblant, 15.VIII.1954, A. Robert [1♂ 1♀, CEUM]; same data, except 27.VI.1971, E. J. Kiteley [1♂, CNC]; Nicolet Co., Blandford, 21.VI.1980, A. Larochelle [1♀, CNC]; Papineau Co., Montebello, 3.VII.1937, J. Ouellet [1♀, CEUM]; Portneuf Co., Lac Sergent, 2.VII.1961, J. L. Laliberté [1♀, IDM]; Saint-Augustin, 17.VI.1967, J. L. Laliberté [1♂, IDM]; same data, except 22.VI.1977 [1♂, IDM]; Sainte-Catherine, 8–14.VII.1956, J. C. Aubé [7♂ 4♀, LEM; 2♂ 2♀, AMNH, 1♂, USNM]; same data, except 19.VI.1957 [1♂, LEM]; same data, except 11.VI.1960 [1♀, LEM]; same data, except 9–15.VII.1960 [1♂ 1♀, LEM; 1♀, USNM]; same data, except 26.VII.1961 [2♀, LEM]; same data, except 5.VIII.1961 [1♀, LEM]; same data, except 15.VII.1956, J. L. Laliberté [1♂ 2♀, IDM]; Québec Co., Cap-Rouge, 27.VI.1959, J. C. Aubé [1♂, LEM]; same data, except 24.VI.1981, D. R. Ward [1♀, CNC]; Lac Beauport, 11–23.VII.1956, J. L. Laliberté [1♂ 2♀, IDM]; Québec, 15.VI.1957, J. C. Aubé [1♂, LEM; 1♂, AMNH]; Saguenay Co., Grandes- Bergeronnes, 20.VII.1981, field on weeds, A. Larochelle [1♀, CNC]; Rivière Barthélemy, 22.VII.1981, field on weeds, A. Larochelle [1♂, CNC]; Tadoussac, 23.VII.1932, A. F. Winn [3♀, CEUM]; Saint-Jean Co., Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu (as “St. Johns”), F. Knab [1♂, USNM]; Saint-Maurice Co., Pointe-du-Lac, 11.VII.1926, J. L. Laliberté [1♀, IDM]; same data, except 5.VIII.1927 [1♂ 1♀, IDM]; same data, except 26.VII.1928 J. L. Laliberté [1♀, IDM]; same data, except 20.VII.1936 [2♀, IDM]; Soulanges Co., Rivière-Beaudette, 10.VIII.1985, Larochelle & Larivière [1♀, CNC]; Témiscamingue Co. Laniel, 5–6.VI.1963, W. Gagné [1♂, CNC]; Notre- Dame-du-Nord, 36.VI [2♂, CEUM]; Vaudreuil Co., Rigaud, 13.VII.1973, sweeping Salix sp., E. J. Kiteley [3♂ 3♀, CNC]; same data, except 7.VI.1985, willow in flower (Salix sp.), Larochelle & Larivière [1♂, CNC]; same data, except 7.VI.1985, old field birch (Betula populifolia Marsh.), Larochelle & Larivière [1 ♀, CNC]; Saint-Lazare, 20.VI.1983, ex. Salix fragilis L., A. Larochelle [1♀, CNC]; Mont Lyall 1500 ft, 31.VII.1933, W. J. Brown [2♂ 4♀, CNC].

Large series of Pachybrachis peccans were reportedly taken on Populus balsami-fera L. and Salix spp. (Salicaceae). Other plant associations recorded on labels were Populus tremuloides Michx.; lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Ait.) (Ericaceae); Rubus spp. (Rosaceae); and Comptonia peregrina (L.) (Myricaceae). Larvae were reared on dead leaves of sand-bar willow (Salix interior Rowlee) by LeSage (1985). Larochelle specimens from Québec had a wide range of potential plant associations. Several additional potential hosts are listed by Clark et al. (2004) from their literature review.

Pachybrachis peccans was the most commonly examined species (over 900 specimens; Table 1). It has also the largest distribution, being found from Nova Scotia to Yukon (Map 12). Pachybrachis peccans is reported here for the first time from PE.

As one of several species in North America having distinct ocular lines, enlarged claws, and varying degrees of maculation, there is much potential confusion with other species. Fall (1915) stated, “While peccans varies toward melanostictus in its darker individuals, it approaches so closely to diversus and abdominalis in some of its paler forms as to make distinction purely discretional.” At this time, we believe diversus is a more southern species not found in Canada, and abdominalis and melanostictus are not found in eastern Canada.

Form, especially of the male, narrower than usual; color dull yellow, maculate with brown or black (Habitus 13); surface not or scarcely shining; eyes narrowly separated; ocular lines present (Figure 1a); front tibiae sinuate on inner margin beyond middle; front claws of male obviously, though not greatly, enlarged; male size small: length 1.92 ± 0.07 mm, width 0.96 ± 0.04 mm.

Eastern species distributed from Nebraska to Texas to Atlantic Coast in the United States (Riley et al. 2003). In eastern Canada, Pachybrachis pectoralis has been found in southern Ontario and the Ottawa Valley in Québec (Map 13).

ONTARIO: Hastings Co., 10.vii.1938, J. F. Brimley [2♀, CNC]; same data, except 5.VIII.1957 [1♀, CNC]; Muskoka Dist., Norway Point Lake of Bays, 30.XI.1922, J. McDunnough [1♀, CNC]; Prince Edward Co., 3.VIII.1938, J. F. Brimley [3♂ 3♀, CNC]; Kawartha Gull Lake, 2.VIII.1943, J. F. Brimley [2♂, CNC]; same data, except 19.VII.1950 [1♀, CNC]; Toronto Co., Toronto, 15–30.VI.1927, L. J. Milne [1♀, CNC]; Unknown Co., East Ontario [1♂, CNC].

QUÉBEC: Gatineau Co., Mont King, Parc de la Gatineau, 19.VIII.1996, L. LeSage [8♂ 13♀, CNC]; same data, except 6.IX.1996 [1♀, CNC]; same data, except 28.V.1997 [1♀, CNC]; same data, except 21.VII.1997 [1♂ 3♀, CNC]; Pontiac Co., Luskville, 4.VII.1985, ex. Quercus rubra L. Larochelle & Larivière [1♀, CNC]; same data except 30.VII.1985, ex. Quercus alba L. [1♂, CNC]; Vaudreuil Co., Rigaud, A. Robert [2♂ 2♀, CEUM]; same data, except 20.VIII.1984, ex. Quercus rubra L., Larochelle & Larivière [2♂, CNC]; same data except 19.VIII.1985, ex. Quercus rubra L., Larochelle & Larivière [1♀, CNC].

No information is available from the specimens examined. According to Blatchley (1924a, b), Fall (1915), Barney (1984) and Clark (2000), Pachybrachis pectoralis is associated with common locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) (Fabaceae). Larochelle’s specimens were found on Quercus alba L. and Quercus rubra L. Additional potential hosts are given in Clark et al. (2004).

No specimens from New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, from where this species was reported by LeSage (1991) and Riley et al. (2003), were located, although the material of all the important collections of eastern Canada was examined. The Ottawa River Valley is the northernmost limit of Pachybrachis pectoralis, in Québec. This species may extend further north to the Maritime Provinces along the Atlantic Coast, but it has not yet been recorded from Maine (Riley et al. 2003; Majka et al. 2011).

Elytra and pronotum with small yellow spots and diffuse rufous mottled marks; prothoracic puncturation dense, extending to side margins (Habitus 14); ocular lines absent; aedeagus tubular with terminal nodule (Figure 10b) or nipple-shaped apex when seen from above (Figure 10c); male size small: length 1.91 ± 0.13 mm, width 1.06 ± 0.05 mm.

Eastern species distributed from southern Saskatchewan to Texas to Atlantic Coast (Riley et al. 2003), and present in southern Ontario and Québec in eastern Canada. The Ottawa Valley and the south of eastern Townships, in Québec, are probably the northernmost distribution limit of Pachybrachis spumarius (Map 14).

ONTARIO: Carleton Co., Britannia, 28.VI.1931, L. J. Milne [1♂ 1♀, UNHC]; same data, except 19.VII.1949, R. de Ruette [1♀, CNC]; Britannia Heights, 16.VII.1958, S. D. Hicks [1♂, CNC]; Constance Bay, 10.VII.1941, W. J. Brown [1♀, CNC]; Carp, 5.VII.1932, W. J. Brown [1♂, CNC]; Essex Co., Ojibway, 24.VI.1945 [1♀, CNC]; Pelee Island, 3.VII.1931, W. J. Brown [1♂ 1♀, CNC]; Roseland, 26.VI.1944, S. D. Hicks [1♀, CNC]; Hasting Co., 2.IX.1934, J. F. Brimley [1♂ 1♀, CNC]; same data, except 25.VII.1954 [1♂, CNC]; Leeds Co., Lindsay Island, Saint Lawrence Island National Park, 15.VII.1976, ex. Betula papyrifera, W. Reid [2♂, CNC]; Mermaid Island, Saint Lawrence Island National Park, 23.VII.1976, W. Reid [1♀, CNC]; Lennox & Addington Co., 16.VII.1939, J. F. Brimley [1♀, CNC]; same data, except 6.IX.1948 [1♀, CNC]; same data, except 10.VII.1949 [3♀, CNC]; Lincoln Co., DeCew Falls, 27.VII.1940, S. D. Hicks [1♀, CNC]; Norfolk Co., Turkey Point Provincial Park, 24.VII.1984, sweeping in mixed forest, L. LeSage [3♂, CNC]; Walsingham, 11.VII.1956, W. J. Brown [6♂ 7♀, CNC]; Walsingham Forest Station, 25.VII.1984, ex. Rhus typhina, L. LeSage [45♂ 47♀, CNC]; Northumberland Co., 2.IX.1950, J.F. Brimley [1♀, CNC]; Prince Edward Co., 10.VII.1935, J. F. Brimley [3♂ 3♀, CNC]; same data, except 21–25.VII.1937 [5♂ 9♀, CNC]; same data, except 3.VII.1938 [1♀, CNC]; same data, except 13.VII.1941 [1♂, CNC]; same data, except 16.VII.1947 [6♂ 2♀, CNC]; same data, except 5–19.VII.1950 [3♂ 3♀, CNC]; same data, except 5.VII.1953 [1♀, CNC]; same data, except 7.VII.1954 [1♂ 1♀, CNC]; Clearwater Bay, 30.VII.1996, sweeping miscellaneous vegetation, B. F & J. L. Carr [2♀, CNC]; Toronto Co., Toronto, 15.VIII.1908, R. J. Crew [1♀, ROM]; Kelly Lake, 26.VII.1933, L. J. Milne [1♂, UNHC]; Victoria Co., Coboconk, 2.VIII.1948, J. F. B. [2♂ 1♀, CNC]; Unknown Co., East Ontario [1♂ 1♀, CNC].

QUÉBEC: Bagot Co., Saint-Pie, 1.VII.1985, ex. Acer rubrum L., Larochelle & Larivière [1♂, CNC]; Châteauguay Co., Ormstown, 12.VII.1977, sweeping sumac, E. J. Kiteley [3♂ 2♀, CNC]; Deux-Montagnes Co., La Trappe, 19–22.VII.1945, J. Ouellet [1♂ 1♀, CEUM]; same data, except 7.VII.1946, [1♀, CEUM]; same data, except 13–15.VII.1949 [2♂ 4♀, CEUM]; same data, except 8–23.VII.1950, ex. Virginia sumac [27♂ 35♀, CEUM]; same data, except 1–8.VIII.1950, ex. Virginia sumac [9♂ 5♀, CEUM]; same data, except 27.VII.1951 [6♂ 7♀, CEUM]; Gatineau Co., Mont-King, Parc de la Gatineau, 19.VII.1981, P. Bélanger [1♂ 2♀, LFC]; Kazabazua, 3.IX.1967, H. J. Teskey [1♀, CNC]; Missisquoi Co., Phillipsburg, 15–19.VII.1969, J. L. Laliberté [1♂ 1♀, IDM]; same data, except 29.VII.1972 [3♂ 4♀, IDM]; same data, except 22.VI.1975 [2♂, IDM]; Pontiac Co., Luskville, 30.VII.1985, ex. Quercus alba L., Larochelle & Larivière [1♀, CNC]; Témiscamingue Co., Laniel, 14.VIII.1932, W.J. Brown [1♀, CNC]; Vaudreuil Co., Hudson Heights, 24–30.VII.1956, Lindberg [1♂ 1♀, CNC]; Rigaud, 26.VII.1902, F. Knab [1♂ 1♀, USNM]; same data, except 25.VII.1939, A. Robert [1♂, CEUM]; same data, except 15.VIII.1972, on sumac, E. J. Kiteley [3♂, CNC]; same data, except 13.VII.1973, sweeping sumac [1♂ 3♀, CNC]; same data, except 22.VII.1974, on sumac [3♂ 2♀, CNC]; same data, except 27.VIII.1977, on sumac [1♂ 1♀, CNC]; same data, except 16.VIII.1984, ex. Rhus typhina L., Larochelle & Larivière [1♀, CNC]; Saint-Lazare, 9.VIII.1982, UV light in a pine plantation, A. Larochelle [1♀, CNC].

Several specimens were recorded as being collected from Rhus typhina L., Virginia sumac, or just sumac (Anachardiaceae), which are various names for the same plant. Barney and Hall (2011) reported collecting specimens in abundance on Rhus copallina L. and Rhus glabra L., and observed feeding, mating and oviposition on these species in the laboratory. Larochelle cited Acer rubrum L. (Aceraceae) and Quercus alba L. (Salicaceae) as potential hosts on his labels. Betula papyrifera Marsh. (Betulaceae) was also reported here but cannot be confirmed as a plant association.

Pachybrachis spumarius is the second most commonly collected species in eastern Canada and can often be found in large series on Rhus spp. (Table 1).

Color dark, pronotum with sides narrowly yellow; elytra with red or yellow, more or less broad, irregular or indented transverse median fascia often interrupted at suture, and with red or yellow apical spot (Habitus 15); Disc of pronotum often, and head more rarely, variegated with reddish yellow; male size small: length 2.21 ± 0.09 mm, width 1.18 ± 0.06 mm.

Eastern species distributed from Kansas to Louisiana to Atlantic Coast in the United States (Riley et al. 2003), restricted to the Carolinian Zone in southern Ontario in eastern Canada (Map 15).

ONTARIO: Essex Co., Leamington, 6.VII.1931, G. S. Walley [1♀, CNC]; same data, except 9.VI.1937 [1♀, CNC]; Hastings Co., 19.VII.1938, J. F. Brimley [2♀, CNC]; Lennox & Addington Co., 16.VII.1938, J. F. Brimley [1♂, CNC]; Norfolk Co., Normandale, 5.VI.1931, W. J. Brown [1♀, CNC]; Walsingham, 3.VI.1944, W. J. Brown [3♀, CNC]; same data, except 11.VII.1956 [2♀, CNC]; Northumberland Co., Hamilton, 15.VII.1981, M. Sanborne [1♂, CNC]; Toronto Co., Toronto, 15.VI.1896 [3♀, LEM]; same data, except 30.V.1897, C. T. Hills [1♂ 1♀, LEM].

No records are available from the specimens examined. Downie and Arnett (1996) reported Pachybrachis subfasciatus from black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) (Juglandaceae).

Pachybrachis subfasciatus is another possible example of a species once living in the Carolinian Zone which may have been extirpated from the Canadian fauna. No specimens were collected in the last 55 years. If its association with black walnut is correct, this may explain its rarity, or even extinction, since Fox and Soper (1953) reported this tree occurring naturally only in rich woods in southernmost Ontario and considered recent trees above these limits to have been planted.

Color pale yellow with broad, sharply limited, black markings; antennae (usually) and legs entirely yellow (Habitus 16). Lustre dull. Eyes separated by about twice length of basal antennomere in male, and by two and one-half to three times length of this antennomere in female. Ocular lines fine. Front claws of male not enlarged (as in Figure 4c); male size small: length 1.93 ± 0.10 mm, width 1.01 ± 0.04 mm.

Pachybrachis tridens is an eastern species distributed from Manitoba to Texas to the Atlantic Coast in the United States (Riley et al. 2003), and restricted to the Carolinian Zone of southern Ontario in eastern Canada (Map 16).

ONTARIO: Prince Edward Co., 21–28.VI.1950, J. F. Brimley [3♂ 5♀, CNC].

No records are available from the specimens examined. Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans (L.) Kuntze) (Anachardiaceae) was given as the preferred host by Fall (1915), Blatchley (1924a), Wilcox (1954, 1979), Furth (1985), and others. A complete list of citations is found in Clark et al. (2004).

Since Pachybrachis tridens has not been collected in the last 55 years, it can be considered as extirpated from the Canadian fauna. Formerly, it was probably restricted to the Carolinian Life Zone, which is now reduced to minute remnants. For this reason, the Manitoba record reported by LeSage (1991) and Riley et al. (2003), and the Québec record cited by Riley et al. (2003) are questionable. No specimens were available to confirm them.

Pronotum red with heavy, sharply defined, black M-mark, and with pale anterior and lateral margins; elytra entirely black (Habitus 17); male size large: length 3.09 ± 0.13 mm, width 1.75 ± 0.09 mm.

Pachybrachis trinotatus is an eastern species distributed from Kansas to the Atlantic Coast in the United States (Riley et al. 2003), and in Ontario and Québec in eastern Canada (Map 17).

ONTARIO: Carleton Co., Stittsville, 26.VII.1961, G. Brumpton [1♂, CNC]; Essex Co., Leamington, 27.VI-3.VII.1931, W. J. Brown [1♂ 1♀, CNC]; Hamilton Co., Ancaster, 2.VII.1958, J. E. H. Martin [1♂, CNC]; Hastings Co., 10.VII.1938, J. F. Brimley [1♀, CNC]; same data, except 24.VII.1960, J. F. Brimley [1♂ 1♀, CNC]; Marmora, 2.VII.1952, C. Boyle [1♀, CNC]; Lambton Co., Grand Bend, 10.VII.1939, G. E. Shewell [1♂ 1♀, CNC]; Lanark Co., Bell’s Corners, 15.VII.1954, S. D. Hicks [3♂ 2♀, CNC]; same data, except Lanark, Kerr Lake 13.VII.1975 [1♂, CNC]; Lincoln Co., DeCew Falls, 29.VI.1940, S. D. Hicks [1♂, CNC]; same data, except 27.VII.1940 [1♂ 1♀, CNC]; same data, except VIII.1941 [1♂, CNC]; Northumberland Co., Hamilton, 14–19.VII.1984, M. Sanborne [1♀, CNC]; Prince Edward Co., 21.VII.1937, beaten from oak, J. F. Brimley [1♀, CNC]; same data, except 4.VII.1946 [1♀, CNC]; same data, except 11.VIII.1947 [1♀, CNC]; same data, except 14.VII.1948 [1♀, CNC]; same data, except 10.VIII.1948 [1♀, CNC]; same data, except 20.VI.1949 [1♂, CNC]; same data, except 6.VII.1949 [1♀, CNC]; same data, except 17.VII.1950 [5♂ 3♀, CNC; 1♂, AMNH; 2♂ 1♀, St. John’s wort blossom, FSCA]; same data, except 7.VII.1955 [1♂, CNC]; same data, except 29.VII.1956 [1♀, CNC]; same data, except 27.VII.1962 [1♂ 1♀, CNC]; Renfrew Co., Hwy 512 15 km W Eganville, 5.VII.1996, B. F. & J. L. Carr [1♂, CNC]; Simcoe Co., Craighurst, 30.VIII.1963, G. G. E. Scudder [1♀, CNC]; Tiny Township, Cawaja Beach, 17.VII.1968, J. C. E. Riotte [1♂ 1♀, ROM]; Toronto Co., Toronto, Kelly Lake, 13–26.VII.1933, L. J. Milne [2♂ 1♀, UNHC]; Victoria Co., Coboconk, 7.VIII.1940, S.D. Hicks [1♀, CNC]; Wellington Co., Guelph, VII.1924, D. C. B. Duff [1♂, ROM].

QUÉBEC: Huntingdon Co., Covey Hill, 1.VII.1927, W. J. Brown [1♂, CNC]; Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, 10.VII.1977, sweeping field, E. J. Kiteley [1♂, CNC]; Missisquoi Co., Phillipsburg, 31.VII.1972, J. L. Laliberté [1♂, IDM]; Québec Co., Québec, 26.VII.1902, F. Knab [1♂ 1♀, USNM]; Vaudreuil Co., Hudson Heights, 24–30.VII.1956, Lindberg [1♀, CNC]; Rigaud 29.VI.1907, J. Ouellet [1♂, CEUM]; same data, except 18.VIII.1921 [2♂, CEUM]; same data, except 23.VII.1974, E. J. Kiteley [2♀, CNC].

No information was available from specimens examined. Barney and Hall (2011) reported handpicking specimens from St. John’s wort, Hypericum punctatum L. (Clusiaceae), and observed feeding, mating and oviposition on Hypericum punctatum, Hypericum perforatum L. and Hypericum dolabriforme Vent. in the lab. Following Banks (1912), New Jersey tea, Ceanothus americanus L. (Rhamnaceae) was often given by authors as a host for Pachybrachis trinotatus (complete citation in Clark et al. 2004).

With its black elytra and reddish pronotum ornamented with a large, black, M-shaped marking, Pachybrachis trinotatus is very easily distinguished from all other Canadian species of the genus (Habitus 17). It is widely distributed in southern Ontario but is found only in the Ottawa River Valley and south of the eastern Townships in Québec (Map 17). Both areas very likely represent its northernmost distribution limit in this province.