Cryptocephalus multisignatus
This record describes Cryptocephalus multisignatus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The male holotype (the only type specimen) is in the U.S. National Museum; it was taken in Arizona. It is the only example of this species that was seen by White, so the extent of variation of the characters referred to in the description and key was not known to him.
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
Endemic to AZ
Diet and Behavior
Diet: No host records reported by Clark et al. (2004) ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cryptocephalus multisignatus Schaeffer 1933
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cryptocephalus multisignatus. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cryptocephalus multisignatus
What is Cryptocephalus multisignatus?
Cryptocephalus multisignatus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Cryptocephalus multisignatus?
Length: 3.9 mm. Schaeffer (1933, p. 323) erred in giving the length of his type as 3.5 mm.
Where is Cryptocephalus multisignatus found?
Range: Endemic to AZ
What does Cryptocephalus multisignatus eat?
The diet of the Cryptocephalus multisignatus includes No host records reported by Clark et al. (2004) ( 3 ).