Cryptocephalus cupressi
This record describes Cryptocephalus cupressi (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Det. E. G. Riley, 1985 Type Locality: New Orleans, LA
Identification notes
Det. E. G. Riley, 1985
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
Habitat
north-central Gulf Coast
Geographic Range
Endemic e.TX to s.AL - Map (John M. Smith, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2015) The four type specimens from Louisiana were all that White examined.
Seasonal Activity
Mar-Aug ( 4 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: asso. w/ cypress ( 5 ) , ostensibly bald cypress - Taxodium distichum (Cupressaceae)
Life History
Several pupal cases were collected by Mr. Engelhardt on branches of cypress December 29th and January 2d from which four imagoes emerged April 6th. ( 6 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cryptocephalus cupressi Schaeffer 1933
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cryptocephalus cupressi. 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 cupressi (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Edward Ruden
Frequently Asked Questions About Cryptocephalus cupressi
What is Cryptocephalus cupressi?
Cryptocephalus cupressi is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Cryptocephalus cupressi?
Length: 4.7 to 5.7 mm
How do you identify Cryptocephalus cupressi?
Det. E. G. Riley, 1985
Where is Cryptocephalus cupressi found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | north-central Gulf Coast |
| Range | Endemic e.TX to s.AL - Map (John M. Smith, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2015) The four type specimens from Louisiana were all that White examined. |
What does Cryptocephalus cupressi eat?
The diet of the Cryptocephalus cupressi includes asso. w/ cypress ( 5 ) , ostensibly bald cypress - Taxodium distichum (Cupressaceae).
When is Cryptocephalus cupressi active?
Cryptocephalus cupressi: seasonal activity - Mar-Aug ( 4 ).
What is the life cycle of a Cryptocephalus cupressi?
Several pupal cases were collected by Mr. Engelhardt on branches of cypress December 29th and January 2d from which four imagoes emerged April 6th. ( 6 )