Cryptocephalus albicans
This record describes Cryptocephalus albicans (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Elytra: Light orange or creamy yellow and with dark reddish to black markings. The six Florida specimens examined by White have the elytral intervals finely, transversely rugose; this significantly reduces the shininess of the elytra. In two Georgia and three South Carolina specimens, the rugosity is reduced to absent, and the elytra are distinctly shiny. The single Mississippi specimen has the elytra finely, transversely wrinkled and shiny.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cryptocephalinae
- Tribe
- Cryptocephalini
- Genus
- Cryptocephalus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Coastal States from MS to FL to SC Twelve specimens in the USNM from Florida, South Carolina, Mississippi, and Georgia.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cryptocephalus albicans Haldeman 1849
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cryptocephalus albicans. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Cryptocephalus albicans (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Edward Ruden
Frequently Asked Questions About Cryptocephalus albicans
What is Cryptocephalus albicans?
Cryptocephalus albicans is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Cryptocephalus albicans?
Length 4.8 to 6.3 mm
How do you identify Cryptocephalus albicans?
Elytra: Light orange or creamy yellow and with dark reddish to black markings. The six Florida specimens examined by White have the elytral intervals finely, transversely rugose; this significantly reduces the shininess of the elytra. In two Georgia and three South Carolina specimens, the rugosity is reduced to absent, and the elytra are distinctly shiny. The single Mississippi specimen has the elytra finely, transversely wrinkled and shiny.
Where is Cryptocephalus albicans found?
Range: Coastal States from MS to FL to SC Twelve specimens in the USNM from Florida, South Carolina, Mississippi, and Georgia.