Cryptocephalus amatus
This record describes Cryptocephalus amatus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Cryptocephalus amatus is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in North America.
Wikipedia reference for Cryptocephalus amatus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptocephalus amatus.
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
sw US (AZ-w.TX-w.NE-WY) - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: most records from var. Asteraceae ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cryptocephalus amatus Haldeman 1849
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cryptocephalus amatus. 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 amatus (9)
Photo credits: (c) Mike Quinn, San Marcos, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Mike Quinn, San Marcos | (c) Colin Croft, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Colin Croft | (c) joshcde, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by joshcde | (c) Even Dankowicz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Even Dankowicz | Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Tyler Hedlund
Frequently Asked Questions About Cryptocephalus amatus
What is Cryptocephalus amatus?
Cryptocephalus amatus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Cryptocephalus amatus found?
Range: sw US (AZ-w.TX-w.NE-WY) - Map
What does Cryptocephalus amatus eat?
The diet of the Cryptocephalus amatus includes most records from var. Asteraceae ( 4 ).