Texas Yellow Cryptocephalus
Cryptocephalus defectus
This record describes Cryptocephalus defectus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Cryptocephalus defectus is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in North America.
Wikipedia reference for Cryptocephalus defectus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptocephalus_defectus.
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
Endemic to TX (Austin to nr. College Sta. to Dallas) - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 )
Seasonal Activity
April-May ( 4 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Host not reported ( 5 ) , but Ed Riley (pers. comm. to MAQ, 2021) recently took a long series on soapberry ( Sapindus saponaria , Sapindaceae) in e. TX.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cryptocephalus defectus J. L. LeConte 1880
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cryptocephalus defectus. 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 Texas Yellow Cryptocephalus (4)
Photo credits: (c) Mike Quinn, San Marcos, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Mike Quinn, San Marcos | (c) Meghan Cassidy, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Meghan Cassidy | Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Edward Ruden
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Yellow Cryptocephalus
What is Texas Yellow Cryptocephalus?
Texas Yellow Cryptocephalus (Cryptocephalus defectus) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Texas Yellow Cryptocephalus?
Length: 3.2 to 3.3 mm
Where is Texas Yellow Cryptocephalus found?
Range: Endemic to TX (Austin to nr. College Sta. to Dallas) - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 )
What does Texas Yellow Cryptocephalus eat?
The diet of the Texas Yellow Cryptocephalus includes Host not reported ( 5 ) , but Ed Riley (pers. comm. to MAQ, 2021) recently took a long series on soapberry ( Sapindus saponaria , Sapindaceae) in e. TX..
When is Texas Yellow Cryptocephalus active?
Texas Yellow Cryptocephalus: seasonal activity - April-May ( 4 ).