Cryptocephalus leucomelas
This record describes Cryptocephalus leucomelas (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Combined pronotal and elytral patterns are unique... The color is too pale for C. castaneus and the basal elytral dark markings are less extensive than typical castaneus although you can find material with more extensive yellow/orange. Det. M. A. Quinn, 2010 readily comes to lights
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 to s.CA (s.CA-FL-NJ-ND) - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) , particularly common in Texas
Seasonal Activity
mostly June-July (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Hosts: Populus , Salix (Salicaceae) ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cryptocephalus leucomelas Suffrian 1852
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cryptocephalus leucomelas. 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 leucomelas (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Cryptocephalus leucomelas
What is Cryptocephalus leucomelas?
Cryptocephalus leucomelas is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Cryptocephalus leucomelas?
4.6-5.8 mm
How do you identify Cryptocephalus leucomelas?
Combined pronotal and elytral patterns are unique... The color is too pale for C. castaneus and the basal elytral dark markings are less extensive than typical castaneus although you can find material with more extensive yellow/orange. Det. M. A. Quinn, 2010
Where is Cryptocephalus leucomelas found?
Range: e. US to s.CA (s.CA-FL-NJ-ND) - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) , particularly common in Texas
What does Cryptocephalus leucomelas eat?
The diet of the Cryptocephalus leucomelas includes Hosts: Populus , Salix (Salicaceae) ( 5 ).
When is Cryptocephalus leucomelas active?
Cryptocephalus leucomelas: seasonal activity - mostly June-July (BG data).