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

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.
Photos of Cryptocephalus pubiventris (5)
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).
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