Cryptocephalus notatus
This record describes Cryptocephalus notatus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
One broad red shoulder spot, plus two rounded spots at the rear of the elytra. Elytra with 10 rows of punctures. Base of antennae pale. One of the first two species of Cryptocephalus described from N. Amer.
Identification notes
One broad red shoulder spot, plus two rounded spots at the rear of the elytra. Elytra with 10 rows of punctures. Base of antennae pale. ( 3 )
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 NA to NM-ID (NM-FL-NS-ID) - Map , common across c.TX
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Recorded from 17 plant families ( 5 ) , in c.TX, common on Texas live oak ( Quercus fusiformis , Fagaceae) ( 6 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cryptocephalus notatus Fabricius 1787
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cryptocephalus notatus. 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 notatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Stephen_WV; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , Edward Ruden
Frequently Asked Questions About Cryptocephalus notatus
What is Cryptocephalus notatus?
Cryptocephalus notatus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Cryptocephalus notatus?
4-6 mm
How do you identify Cryptocephalus notatus?
One broad red shoulder spot, plus two rounded spots at the rear of the elytra. Elytra with 10 rows of punctures. Base of antennae pale. ( 3 )
Where is Cryptocephalus notatus found?
Range: e NA to NM-ID (NM-FL-NS-ID) - Map , common across c.TX
What does Cryptocephalus notatus eat?
The diet of the Cryptocephalus notatus includes Recorded from 17 plant families ( 5 ) , in c.TX, common on Texas live oak ( Quercus fusiformis , Fagaceae) ( 6 ).