Cryptocephalus maccus
This record describes Cryptocephalus maccus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Det. E. G. Riley, 1987 Type data. - This species is described from four males, all taken in Arizona. The data are as follows (all types in USNM): holotype (type number 69241), 5 mi. s. Rock Springs, Arizona, VI-24-57 R. S. Beal; paratypes, Hot Springs, Arizona, 26.6 Barber and Schwarz; Sabino Canyon, Arizona, June 19, 1918, 9:30 P.M., F. C. Craighead, Prosopis juliflora flowers; and Sabino Canyon, Arizona, August 6, 1959, K. V. Krombein.
Identification notes
Det. E. G. Riley, 1987
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
AZ to w. TX / nw. Mex. - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Prosopis juliflora flowers
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cryptocephalus maccus R. White 1968
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cryptocephalus maccus. 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 maccus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Edward Ruden
Frequently Asked Questions About Cryptocephalus maccus
What is Cryptocephalus maccus?
Cryptocephalus maccus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Cryptocephalus maccus?
4.0 to 4.4 mm
How do you identify Cryptocephalus maccus?
Det. E. G. Riley, 1987
Where is Cryptocephalus maccus found?
Range: AZ to w. TX / nw. Mex. - Map
What does Cryptocephalus maccus eat?
The diet of the Cryptocephalus maccus includes Prosopis juliflora flowers.