Cryptocephalus fulguratus
This record describes Cryptocephalus fulguratus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
variable, but lacks the basal oblique pronotum spots of C. atrofasciatus , also note the thin pale pronotal margin White examined 130 spmns from TX, AR, KS , Riley et al. added OK, MO, and MS Type Locality: Texas
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
e. US (OH-NC-GA to NE-s.TX) - Map , more widely dist. than Riley et al. reported (TX-KS-MO-AR, MS), but most records in TX
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Hosts: oaks, primarily Quercus fusiformis and Q. buckleyi in central TX ( 5 ) ( 6 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cryptocephalus fulguratus LeConte 1880
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cryptocephalus fulguratus. 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 fulguratus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov , Edward Ruden
Frequently Asked Questions About Cryptocephalus fulguratus
What is Cryptocephalus fulguratus?
Cryptocephalus fulguratus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Cryptocephalus fulguratus?
3.8‒5.0 mm
How do you identify Cryptocephalus fulguratus?
variable, but lacks the basal oblique pronotum spots of C. atrofasciatus , also note the thin pale pronotal margin
Where is Cryptocephalus fulguratus found?
Range: e. US (OH-NC-GA to NE-s.TX) - Map , more widely dist. than Riley et al. reported (TX-KS-MO-AR, MS), but most records in TX
What does Cryptocephalus fulguratus eat?
The diet of the Cryptocephalus fulguratus includes Hosts: oaks, primarily Quercus fusiformis and Q. buckleyi in central TX ( 5 ) ( 6 ).