Cryptocephalus aulicus
This record describes Cryptocephalus aulicus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Pronotum | Pronotum: Red to orange with two basal oblique spots. |
| Elytra | Elytra: Creamy yellow to orange with dark spots. Forty specimens examined by White, all collected in Florida. Previous papers have included Georgia as part of the distribution of the species, but no specimens from this state were in the USNM collection. The northernmost record among the individuals White examined was from Enterprise, Florida, just south of Daytona Beach. |
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
FL peninsula - Map , plus one or more historical records from GA
Seasonal Activity
Apr-Jun (BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cryptocephalus aulicus Haldeman 1849
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cryptocephalus aulicus. 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 aulicus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Edward Ruden
Frequently Asked Questions About Cryptocephalus aulicus
What is Cryptocephalus aulicus?
Cryptocephalus aulicus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Cryptocephalus aulicus?
Length: 6.0 to 7.5 mm.
How do you identify Cryptocephalus aulicus?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Pronotum | Pronotum: Red to orange with two basal oblique spots. |
| Elytra | Elytra: Creamy yellow to orange with dark spots. |
Where is Cryptocephalus aulicus found?
Range: FL peninsula - Map , plus one or more historical records from GA
When is Cryptocephalus aulicus active?
Cryptocephalus aulicus: seasonal activity - Apr-Jun (BG data).