Cryptocephalus andrewsi
This record describes Cryptocephalus andrewsi (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
PARATYPE Type Locality: Del Mar, San Diego Co., CA
Identification notes
PARATYPE
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
Endemic to coastal s.CA - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: collected from Hemizonia (Asteraceae) and Eriogonum (Polygonaceae) ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cryptocephalus andrewsi E. Riley & Gilbert
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cryptocephalus andrewsi. 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 andrewsi (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Cryptocephalus andrewsi
What is Cryptocephalus andrewsi?
Cryptocephalus andrewsi is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Cryptocephalus andrewsi?
PARATYPE
Where is Cryptocephalus andrewsi found?
Range: Endemic to coastal s.CA - Map
What does Cryptocephalus andrewsi eat?
The diet of the Cryptocephalus andrewsi includes collected from Hemizonia (Asteraceae) and Eriogonum (Polygonaceae) ( 3 ).