Cryptocephalus insertus
This record describes Cryptocephalus insertus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Outer elytral vitta interrupted once, twice, or nearly absent, sometimes confluent with inner vitta ; pronotum orange, red, or brown with lateral and apical [pale] margins and usually a pair of oblique basal maculae, vaguely yellowish
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
QC‒FL to AB‒LA ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cryptocephalus insertus Haldeman 1849
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cryptocephalus insertus. 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 insertus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Cryptocephalus insertus
What is Cryptocephalus insertus?
Cryptocephalus insertus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Cryptocephalus insertus?
Outer elytral vitta interrupted once, twice, or nearly absent, sometimes confluent with inner vitta ; pronotum orange, red, or brown with lateral and apical [pale] margins and usually a pair of oblique basal maculae, vaguely yellowish
Where is Cryptocephalus insertus found?
Range: QC‒FL to AB‒LA ( 3 )