Cryptocephalus pumilus
This record describes Cryptocephalus pumilus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Pronotum | Pronotum: Dull yellowish to (usually) dull orange, disk usually more or less clouded with light to dark brown. |
| Elytra | Elytra: Dull yellowish to (usually) dull orange, humerus more or less dark, often with vague to distinct brown markings at middle of base and at middle before apex. All five USNM specimens from Virginia (apparently the northernmost part of the range) bear rather distinct dark markings. Specimens from other parts of the range (including Florida) rarely have markings that are as distinct. |
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: TX-FL-NJ - Map The USNM collection of the species totals 52 individuals from Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Louisiana, and Virginia.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Baccharis (Asteraceae) ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cryptocephalus pumilus Haldeman 1849
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cryptocephalus pumilus. 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 pumilus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Edward Ruden
Frequently Asked Questions About Cryptocephalus pumilus
What is Cryptocephalus pumilus?
Cryptocephalus pumilus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Cryptocephalus pumilus?
Length: 2.0-2.7 mm
How do you identify Cryptocephalus pumilus?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Pronotum | Pronotum: Dull yellowish to (usually) dull orange, disk usually more or less clouded with light to dark brown. |
| Elytra | Elytra: Dull yellowish to (usually) dull orange, humerus more or less dark, often with vague to distinct brown markings at middle of base and at middle before apex. All five USNM specimens from Virginia (apparently the northernmost part of the range) bear rather distinct dark markings. Specimens from other parts of the range (including Florida) rarely have markings that are as distinct. |
Where is Cryptocephalus pumilus found?
Range: Coastal States: TX-FL-NJ - Map The USNM collection of the species totals 52 individuals from Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Louisiana, and Virginia.
What does Cryptocephalus pumilus eat?
The diet of the Cryptocephalus pumilus includes Baccharis (Asteraceae) ( 5 ).