Cryptocephalus tinctus
This record describes Cryptocephalus tinctus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
elytral striae (rows of dots) mostly entire, rather then largely confused or double See discussion at
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
Plains states (AR, IA, IN, KS, MO, TX) and e. coast states (MA to SC) - Map , most records from e. coast
Diet and Behavior
Diet: one spmn coll'ed from Lyonia lucida (= Pieris nitida ) (Ericaceae) ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cryptocephalus tinctus LeConte 1880
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cryptocephalus tinctus. 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 tinctus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Hannah Nendick-Mason , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Cryptocephalus tinctus
What is Cryptocephalus tinctus?
Cryptocephalus tinctus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Cryptocephalus tinctus?
elytral striae (rows of dots) mostly entire, rather then largely confused or double
Where is Cryptocephalus tinctus found?
Range: Plains states (AR, IA, IN, KS, MO, TX) and e. coast states (MA to SC) - Map , most records from e. coast
What does Cryptocephalus tinctus eat?
The diet of the Cryptocephalus tinctus includes one spmn coll'ed from Lyonia lucida (= Pieris nitida ) (Ericaceae) ( 3 ).