Cryptocephalus cuneatus
This record describes Cryptocephalus cuneatus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
elytral vittae black, the lateral ones always intact - Det. Boris Büche, 2023 Fig. 50, C. trivitlatus Olivier; 51, C. cuneatus Fall Fall's single male type specimen was from Tybee Island, Georgia.
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
se US (e.TX-c.FL-SC-OK) - Map All 15 specimens in the USNM examined by White are from Florida.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: None reported in Clark et al. (2004) ( 7 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cryptocephalus cuneatus Fall 1932
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cryptocephalus cuneatus. 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 cuneatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Edward Ruden
Frequently Asked Questions About Cryptocephalus cuneatus
What is Cryptocephalus cuneatus?
Cryptocephalus cuneatus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Cryptocephalus cuneatus?
Length: 4.0 to 5.1 mm
How do you identify Cryptocephalus cuneatus?
elytral vittae black, the lateral ones always intact - Det. Boris Büche, 2023 Fig. 50, C. trivitlatus Olivier; 51, C. cuneatus Fall
Where is Cryptocephalus cuneatus found?
Range: se US (e.TX-c.FL-SC-OK) - Map All 15 specimens in the USNM examined by White are from Florida.
What does Cryptocephalus cuneatus eat?
The diet of the Cryptocephalus cuneatus includes None reported in Clark et al. (2004) ( 7 ).