Cryptocephalus atrofasciatus
This record describes Cryptocephalus atrofasciatus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
one of the most variable in the genus in coloration Pronotum: Light orange to red, usually with basal oblique spots and margins yellow or lighter than remainder, not sharply delimited. Elytra: Usually yellow or orange with three transverse, generally distinct, undulating orange, red, or (usually) black bands. When bands black, these sometimes expanded and partly to largely confluent, elytra thus sometimes predominantly black with vague to distinct elongate yellow spots. Continuous intermediates exist between the one extreme in which the elytra are yellow with rather vague orange bands and the other in which the elytra are almost entirely black. Extreme forms are few. Dets. E. G, Riley, 1980 White examined 54 spmns from AZ, NM, and CO. To these state records, Riley et al. added TX
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 to c.TX, CO) / Mex. ‒ Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: beaten from pine - Pinus (Pinaceae) (Fall & Cockerell, 1907; Schaeffer, 1906). Riley et al. (2007) report spmns from Colo. in asso. w/ Ponderosa pine ( Pinus ponderosa ) ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cryptocephalus atrofasciatus Jacoby 1880
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cryptocephalus atrofasciatus. 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 atrofasciatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ron M.; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , Edward Ruden
Frequently Asked Questions About Cryptocephalus atrofasciatus
What is Cryptocephalus atrofasciatus?
Cryptocephalus atrofasciatus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Cryptocephalus atrofasciatus?
5.0‒7.5 mm
How do you identify Cryptocephalus atrofasciatus?
one of the most variable in the genus in coloration Pronotum: Light orange to red, usually with basal oblique spots and margins yellow or lighter than remainder, not sharply delimited. Elytra: Usually yellow or orange with three transverse, generally distinct, undulating orange, red, or (usually) black bands. When bands black, these sometimes expanded and partly to largely confluent, elytra thus sometimes predominantly black with vague to distinct elongate yellow spots. Continuous intermediates exist between the one extreme in which the elytra are yellow with rather vague orange bands and the other in which the elytra are almost entirely black. Extreme forms are few. Dets. E. G, Riley, 1980
Where is Cryptocephalus atrofasciatus found?
Range: sw US (AZ to c.TX, CO) / Mex. ‒ Map
What does Cryptocephalus atrofasciatus eat?
The diet of the Cryptocephalus atrofasciatus includes beaten from pine - Pinus (Pinaceae) (Fall & Cockerell, 1907; Schaeffer, 1906). Riley et al. (2007) report spmns from Colo. in asso. w/ Ponderosa pine ( Pinus ponderosa ) ( 4 ).