Lustrous Cryptocephalus
Cryptocephalus nanus
This record describes Cryptocephalus nanus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Cryptocephalus nanus is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in North America.
Identification notes
Variable amount of dark on elytra. Det. E. G. Riley, 1975
Wikipedia reference for Cryptocephalus nanus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptocephalus_nanus.
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
se.US (WV‒n.FL to e.KS‒e.TX) - Map , uncommon
Diet and Behavior
Diet: coll'ed from Myrica (Myricaceae), Salix (Salicaceae), Rhus (Anacardiaceae), Amorpha fruticosa (Fabaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cryptocephalus nanus Fabricius 1801
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cryptocephalus nanus. 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 Lustrous Cryptocephalus (8)
Photo credits: (c) Kimberly R Fleming, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Kimberly R Fleming | (c) skitterbug, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by skitterbug | (c) Melinda Fawver, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Melinda Fawver | no rights reserved, uploaded by Dennis White | Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , v belov , Edward Ruden
Frequently Asked Questions About Lustrous Cryptocephalus
What is Lustrous Cryptocephalus?
Lustrous Cryptocephalus (Cryptocephalus nanus) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Lustrous Cryptocephalus?
2.8‒3.5 mm
How do you identify Lustrous Cryptocephalus?
Variable amount of dark on elytra. Det. E. G. Riley, 1975
Where is Lustrous Cryptocephalus found?
Range: se.US (WV‒n.FL to e.KS‒e.TX) - Map , uncommon
What does Lustrous Cryptocephalus eat?
The diet of the Lustrous Cryptocephalus includes coll'ed from Myrica (Myricaceae), Salix (Salicaceae), Rhus (Anacardiaceae), Amorpha fruticosa (Fabaceae).