Cryptocephalus castaneus
This record describes Cryptocephalus castaneus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The alternately black and pale striped pronotum, elytral basal spots and medial spots of fused at suture key this one out. … John R. Watts, 8 July, 2008 At one extreme of development of the color pattern, each elytron bears two large discal spots and four smaller spots laterally; often the discal spots are confluent at the suture. At the other extreme, the discal spots of each elytron are broadly confluent, thus forming a broad vitta; sometimes these vittae meet at the suture, usually they do not. Those specimens bearing broad vittae have three or four lateral spots.
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
c. & s. CA (+ AZ, 2 spmns and NM, 2 spmns) - Map 109 specimens in the USNM collection, only two specimens represent the Arizona record and a single one the New Mexico record; the other 106 specimens are from California.
Seasonal Activity
May-Oct (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Label data record specimens as occurring on strawberry, willows, blackberry, holly, and alfalfa. Clark et al. coll'ed "a very large series" in Calif. from yerba mansa - Anemopsis californica (Saururaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cryptocephalus castaneus J. L. LeConte 1880
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cryptocephalus castaneus. 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 castaneus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , Aaron Schusteff , Edward Ruden
Frequently Asked Questions About Cryptocephalus castaneus
What is Cryptocephalus castaneus?
Cryptocephalus castaneus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Cryptocephalus castaneus?
Length: 3.9 to 5.3 mm.
How do you identify Cryptocephalus castaneus?
The alternately black and pale striped pronotum, elytral basal spots and medial spots of fused at suture key this one out. … John R. Watts, 8 July, 2008
Where is Cryptocephalus castaneus found?
Range: c. & s. CA (+ AZ, 2 spmns and NM, 2 spmns) - Map 109 specimens in the USNM collection, only two specimens represent the Arizona record and a single one the New Mexico record; the other 106 specimens are from California.
What does Cryptocephalus castaneus eat?
The diet of the Cryptocephalus castaneus includes Label data record specimens as occurring on strawberry, willows, blackberry, holly, and alfalfa. Clark et al. coll'ed a very large series in Calif. from yerba mansa - Anemopsis californica (Saururaceae).
When is Cryptocephalus castaneus active?
Cryptocephalus castaneus: seasonal activity - May-Oct (BG data).