Cryptocephalus texanus
This record describes Cryptocephalus texanus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Det. E. G. Riley 1982 Type Locality: New Braunfels, Comal Co., Texas apparently formerly more common, most records prior to 2002 ( 3 )
Identification notes
Det. E. G. Riley 1982
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
se NM and across much of Texas west of the Brazos River - Map The five USNM specimens examined by White are all from Texas, the three type specimens bear the label data "N. Braunfels Tex."
Seasonal Activity
mostly Mar-May ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: var. Fabaceae woody genera ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cryptocephalus texanus Schaeffer 1933
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cryptocephalus texanus. 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 texanus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Edward Ruden
Frequently Asked Questions About Cryptocephalus texanus
What is Cryptocephalus texanus?
Cryptocephalus texanus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Cryptocephalus texanus?
Length: 5.0 to 5.8 mm.
How do you identify Cryptocephalus texanus?
Det. E. G. Riley 1982
Where is Cryptocephalus texanus found?
Range: se NM and across much of Texas west of the Brazos River - Map The five USNM specimens examined by White are all from Texas, the three type specimens bear the label data N. Braunfels Tex.
What does Cryptocephalus texanus eat?
The diet of the Cryptocephalus texanus includes var. Fabaceae woody genera ( 4 ).
When is Cryptocephalus texanus active?
Cryptocephalus texanus: seasonal activity - mostly Mar-May ( 3 ).