ColeopteraChrysomelidae – Leaf Beetles

Cryptocephalus quadruplex

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

Identification and Appearance

Cryptocephalus quadruplex - Cryptocephalus quadruplex
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , ceiseman

Det. M. A. Quinn, 2013 Apical orange marks occasionally absent: Det. E. G. Riley, 2012

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 (NM-GA-NS-MB) - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) , mostly e. US

Seasonal Activity

April to July , ,(BG data)

Diet and Behavior

Diet: Polyphagous ( 6 ) , in c.TX, most common on Texas red oak ( Quercus buckleyi ) and Texas live oak ( Quercus fusiformis , Fagaceae) ( 7 )

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Cryptocephalus quadruplex Newman, 1841

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cryptocephalus quadruplex. 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 quadruplex (5)

Cryptocephalus quadruplex - photo 1
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , ceiseman
Cryptocephalus quadruplex - photo 2
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , ceiseman
Cryptocephalus quadruplex - photo 3
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , ceiseman
Cryptocephalus quadruplex - photo 4
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , ceiseman
Cryptocephalus quadruplex - photo 5
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , ceiseman

Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , ceiseman

Frequently Asked Questions About Cryptocephalus quadruplex

What is Cryptocephalus quadruplex?

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

How big is Cryptocephalus quadruplex?

2.9-4.0 mm

How do you identify Cryptocephalus quadruplex?

Det. M. A. Quinn, 2013 Apical orange marks occasionally absent: Det. E. G. Riley, 2012

Where is Cryptocephalus quadruplex found?

Range: e NA (NM-GA-NS-MB) - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) , mostly e. US

What does Cryptocephalus quadruplex eat?

The diet of the Cryptocephalus quadruplex includes Polyphagous ( 6 ) , in c.TX, most common on Texas red oak ( Quercus buckleyi ) and Texas live oak ( Quercus fusiformis , Fagaceae) ( 7 ).

When is Cryptocephalus quadruplex active?

Cryptocephalus quadruplex: seasonal activity - April to July , ,(BG data).

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

Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , ceiseman. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.