Cryptocephalus australobispinus
This record describes Cryptocephalus australobispinus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The pale ground color together with the pattern on the pronotum and elytra will distinguish this species from other Cryptocephalus found in America north of Mexico. It will run to C. bispinus Suffrian, couplet 81, in White's key and belongs to his Calidus group. (Riley & Gilbert 1999). PARATYPE Texas considers this a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN)
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
Habitat
south Texas coastal sand plains (Riley & Gilbert 1999)
Geographic Range
s. TX: Known range restricted to Jim Hogg, Brooks, and Kenedy counties (Riley & Gilbert 1999)
Seasonal Activity
April 23 through May 26 based on 14 specimens collected between 1978 and 1998 (Riley & Gilbert 1999)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Specific plant associations remain unknown; specimens were swept from low vegetation along highways rights-of-way (Riley & Gilbert 1999).
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cryptocephalus australobispinus Riley & Gilbert
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cryptocephalus australobispinus. 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 australobispinus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Cryptocephalus australobispinus
What is Cryptocephalus australobispinus?
Cryptocephalus australobispinus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Cryptocephalus australobispinus?
The pale ground color together with the pattern on the pronotum and elytra will distinguish this species from other Cryptocephalus found in America north of Mexico. It will run to C. bispinus Suffrian, couplet 81, in White's key and belongs to his Calidus group. (Riley & Gilbert 1999). PARATYPE
Where is Cryptocephalus australobispinus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | south Texas coastal sand plains (Riley & Gilbert 1999) |
| Range | s. TX: Known range restricted to Jim Hogg, Brooks, and Kenedy counties (Riley & Gilbert 1999) |
What does Cryptocephalus australobispinus eat?
The diet of the Cryptocephalus australobispinus includes Specific plant associations remain unknown; specimens were swept from low vegetation along highways rights-of-way (Riley & Gilbert 1999)..
When is Cryptocephalus australobispinus active?
Cryptocephalus australobispinus: seasonal activity - April 23 through May 26 based on 14 specimens collected between 1978 and 1998 (Riley & Gilbert 1999).