Cryptocephalus cribripennis
This record describes Cryptocephalus cribripennis (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
elytra yellow, with very large distant black punctures. The elytral punctures are largest and sparsest in cribripennis LeConte; in most species, the punctures are distinctly smaller and denser. Det. E. G. Riley, 2010
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. to se. TX / n. Mex. - Map , most common along the TX coast The 64 specimens in the USNM examined by White are from southern Texas.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Polyphagous ( 7 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cryptocephalus cribripennis J. L. LeConte 1880
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cryptocephalus cribripennis. 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 cribripennis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Edward Ruden
Frequently Asked Questions About Cryptocephalus cribripennis
What is Cryptocephalus cribripennis?
Cryptocephalus cribripennis is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Cryptocephalus cribripennis?
Length: 4.8 to 6.2 mm
How do you identify Cryptocephalus cribripennis?
elytra yellow, with very large distant black punctures. The elytral punctures are largest and sparsest in cribripennis LeConte; in most species, the punctures are distinctly smaller and denser. Det. E. G. Riley, 2010
Where is Cryptocephalus cribripennis found?
Range: w. to se. TX / n. Mex. - Map , most common along the TX coast The 64 specimens in the USNM examined by White are from southern Texas.
What does Cryptocephalus cribripennis eat?
The diet of the Cryptocephalus cribripennis includes Polyphagous ( 7 ).