ColeopteraChrysomelidae – Leaf Beetles

Cryptocephalus pubiventris

This record describes Cryptocephalus pubiventris (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Cryptocephalus pubiventris - Cryptocephalus pubiventris
Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Edward Ruden

Highly variable Dets. E. G. Riley Type Locality: Huachuca Mountains, Cochise, Arizona. Ten specimens examined by White

Identification notes

Highly variable Dets. E. G. Riley

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

Seasonal Activity

June-July ,(BG data)

Diet and Behavior

Diet: per label data, 1 spmn in asso. w/ Quercus arizonica (Fagaceae), and 1 spmn in asso. w/ Ceanothus (Rhamnaceae) ( 3 ) , also one spmn coll'ed on oak per BG data

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Cryptocephalus pubiventris Schaeffer 1920

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cryptocephalus pubiventris. 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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Cryptocephalus pubiventris (5)

Cryptocephalus pubiventris - photo 1
Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Edward Ruden
Cryptocephalus pubiventris - photo 2
Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Edward Ruden
Cryptocephalus pubiventris - photo 3
Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Edward Ruden
Cryptocephalus pubiventris - photo 4
Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Edward Ruden
Cryptocephalus pubiventris - photo 5
Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Edward Ruden

Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Edward Ruden

Frequently Asked Questions About Cryptocephalus pubiventris

What is Cryptocephalus pubiventris?

Cryptocephalus pubiventris is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.

How big is Cryptocephalus pubiventris?

Length: 5.0 to 6.3 mm

How do you identify Cryptocephalus pubiventris?

Highly variable Dets. E. G. Riley

Where is Cryptocephalus pubiventris found?

Range: Endemic to AZ

What does Cryptocephalus pubiventris eat?

The diet of the Cryptocephalus pubiventris includes per label data, 1 spmn in asso. w/ Quercus arizonica (Fagaceae), and 1 spmn in asso. w/ Ceanothus (Rhamnaceae) ( 3 ) , also one spmn coll'ed on oak per BG data.

When is Cryptocephalus pubiventris active?

Cryptocephalus pubiventris: seasonal activity - June-July ,(BG data).

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Edward Ruden. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.