Cryptocephalus nigrocinctus
This record describes Cryptocephalus nigrocinctus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
coloration distinctive among Florida congeners: metallic blue, sometimes with a purplish undertone, often with yellowish-orange dorsal markings (Thomas et al. 2001) earliest record in our area: FL 1999
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
s. FL (Broward, Dade, Palm Beach counties); immigrant from Puerto Rico - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: reported from 19 different plant families ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cryptocephalus nigrocinctus Suffrian 1852
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cryptocephalus nigrocinctus. 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 nigrocinctus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Cryptocephalus nigrocinctus
What is Cryptocephalus nigrocinctus?
Cryptocephalus nigrocinctus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Cryptocephalus nigrocinctus?
coloration distinctive among Florida congeners: metallic blue, sometimes with a purplish undertone, often with yellowish-orange dorsal markings (Thomas et al. 2001)
Where is Cryptocephalus nigrocinctus found?
Range: s. FL (Broward, Dade, Palm Beach counties); immigrant from Puerto Rico - Map
What does Cryptocephalus nigrocinctus eat?
The diet of the Cryptocephalus nigrocinctus includes reported from 19 different plant families ( 3 ).