Cryptocephalus confluentus
This record describes Cryptocephalus confluentus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Background color of elytra creamy yellow to light orange, vittae distinct, dark reddish to black; central states to California .... 75 Legs predominantly brownish or black (fig. 98). confluentus melanoscelus , new subspecies Legs predominantly yellowish or reddish 76 Pronotum predominantly to entirely dark orange to reddish [emphasis added], usually with yellowish only in two basal spots and at lateral and apical margins, with dark reddish to black lateral to each light basal spot (fig. 16); central states to Canada to California (fig. 90.) confluentus confluentus Say
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
w NA (BC‒CA to MB‒n.TX) - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: apparently asso. w/ Asteraceae, reported from Artemisia, Baccharis, Chrysothamnus, Ericameria, Flourensia and Gutierrezia ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cryptocephalus confluentus Say 1824
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cryptocephalus confluentus. 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 confluentus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov , Edward Ruden
Frequently Asked Questions About Cryptocephalus confluentus
What is Cryptocephalus confluentus?
Cryptocephalus confluentus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Cryptocephalus confluentus?
Background color of elytra creamy yellow to light orange, vittae distinct, dark reddish to black; central states to California .... 75 Legs predominantly brownish or black (fig. 98). confluentus melanoscelus , new subspecies Legs predominantly yellowish or reddish 76 Pronotum predominantly to entirely dark orange to reddish [emphasis added], usually with yellowish only in two basal spots and at lateral and apical margins, with dark reddish to black lateral to each light basal spot (fig. 16); central states to Canada to California (fig. 90.) confluentus confluentus Say
Where is Cryptocephalus confluentus found?
Range: w NA (BC‒CA to MB‒n.TX) - Map
What does Cryptocephalus confluentus eat?
The diet of the Cryptocephalus confluentus includes apparently asso. w/ Asteraceae, reported from Artemisia, Baccharis, Chrysothamnus, Ericameria, Flourensia and Gutierrezia ( 5 ).