Fourteen-spotted Leaf Beetle
Cryptocephalus guttulatus
This record describes Cryptocephalus guttulatus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Small, brown elytra, 7 variable yellow spots on each. The combination of a pale orange pronotum and dark elytra with pale cream spots is distinctive. … John R. Watts, 8 July, 2008
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 (c.TX-FL-NY-CO) - Map
Seasonal Activity
mostly: Apr-Aug ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Recorded from seven woody plant families ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cryptocephalus guttulatus Olivier, 1808 (L). 'broad drops'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cryptocephalus guttulatus. 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 Fourteen-spotted Leaf Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban , Mike Quinn , Edward Ruden
Frequently Asked Questions About Fourteen-spotted Leaf Beetle
What is Fourteen-spotted Leaf Beetle?
Fourteen-spotted Leaf Beetle (Cryptocephalus guttulatus) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Fourteen-spotted Leaf Beetle?
3.9 to 6.0 (based on 146 specimens)
How do you identify Fourteen-spotted Leaf Beetle?
Small, brown elytra, 7 variable yellow spots on each. The combination of a pale orange pronotum and dark elytra with pale cream spots is distinctive. … John R. Watts, 8 July, 2008
Where is Fourteen-spotted Leaf Beetle found?
Range: e US (c.TX-FL-NY-CO) - Map
What does Fourteen-spotted Leaf Beetle eat?
The diet of the Fourteen-spotted Leaf Beetle includes Recorded from seven woody plant families ( 4 ).
When is Fourteen-spotted Leaf Beetle active?
Fourteen-spotted Leaf Beetle: seasonal activity - mostly: Apr-Aug ( 3 ).