Cryptocephalus obsoletus
This record describes Cryptocephalus obsoletus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Elytra creamy yellow to dull orange (punctures often dark), usually with two vittae, orange to dark reddish, sometimes black in part, vague to rather distinct but not sharply delimited Note prosternal spine in lateral view (Ed Riley, 8.ix.2015)
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
Coastal states, MD-FL-LA C. o. indistinctus is known from a small series taken at Wrentham, MA on 7/9/1947
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cryptocephalus obsoletus Germar 1824
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cryptocephalus obsoletus. 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 obsoletus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov , Edward Ruden
Frequently Asked Questions About Cryptocephalus obsoletus
What is Cryptocephalus obsoletus?
Cryptocephalus obsoletus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Cryptocephalus obsoletus?
4.3-6.0 mm
How do you identify Cryptocephalus obsoletus?
Elytra creamy yellow to dull orange (punctures often dark), usually with two vittae, orange to dark reddish, sometimes black in part, vague to rather distinct but not sharply delimited Note prosternal spine in lateral view (Ed Riley, 8.ix.2015)
Where is Cryptocephalus obsoletus found?
Range: Coastal states, MD-FL-LA C. o. indistinctus is known from a small series taken at Wrentham, MA on 7/9/1947