Cryptocephalus basalis
This record describes Cryptocephalus basalis (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
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
AZ, w. TX / Mex. - Map the five spmns from the USNM seen by White were from the Davis Mountains of Texas. , Wilcox recorded it from Arizona.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: spmn coll'ed from Mimosa (Fabaceae) in Arizona. Additionally, there's a spmn labeled from Texas in asso. w/ Sapindus drummondii (Sapindaceae). ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cryptocephalus basalis Suffrian 1852
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cryptocephalus basalis. 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 basalis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Edward Ruden
Frequently Asked Questions About Cryptocephalus basalis
How big is Cryptocephalus basalis?
Length: 4.7 to 5.8 mm
Where is Cryptocephalus basalis found?
Range: AZ, w. TX / Mex. - Map the five spmns from the USNM seen by White were from the Davis Mountains of Texas. , Wilcox recorded it from Arizona.
What does Cryptocephalus basalis eat?
The diet of the Cryptocephalus basalis includes spmn coll'ed from Mimosa (Fabaceae) in Arizona. Additionally, there's a spmn labeled from Texas in asso. w/ Sapindus drummondii (Sapindaceae). ( 4 ).