Cryptocephalus umbonatus
This record describes Cryptocephalus umbonatus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
White describes the elytra as ...striae red to black, with no markings. In the types and in many of the other specimens on hand in the USNM, the elytra are waxy yellow, and the striae black and strongly contrasting with the background. In nearly half the other specimens, however, the elytra are rather to quite orange, and the striae partly to completely dark reddish and less strongly contrasting with the background. At the extreme, the elytra match the orange color of the pronotum. Type Locality: Huachuca Mountains, Arizona. (Schaeffer 1906)
Wikipedia reference for Cryptocephalus umbonatus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptocephalus umbonatus.
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
s.CA to AZ - Map , all 46 specimens in USNM from AZ
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Schaeffer (1906) reports this species beaten frequently from oaks, Quercus (Fabaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cryptocephalus umbonatus Schaeffer 1906
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cryptocephalus umbonatus. 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 umbonatus (8)
Photo credits: (c) Juan Cruzado Cortés, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Juan Cruzado Cortés | (c) Mave Mohamed Flores, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Mave Mohamed Flores | (c) Carlos G Velazco-Macias, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Carlos G Velazco-Macias | (c) Pedro Alanis, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Pedro Alanis | Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Edward Ruden
Frequently Asked Questions About Cryptocephalus umbonatus
What is Cryptocephalus umbonatus?
Cryptocephalus umbonatus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Cryptocephalus umbonatus?
Length: 4.0 to 6.0 mm
How do you identify Cryptocephalus umbonatus?
White describes the elytra as ...striae red to black, with no markings. In the types and in many of the other specimens on hand in the USNM, the elytra are waxy yellow, and the striae black and strongly contrasting with the background. In nearly half the other specimens, however, the elytra are rather to quite orange, and the striae partly to completely dark reddish and less strongly contrasting with the background. At the extreme, the elytra match the orange color of the pronotum.
Where is Cryptocephalus umbonatus found?
Range: s.CA to AZ - Map , all 46 specimens in USNM from AZ
What does Cryptocephalus umbonatus eat?
The diet of the Cryptocephalus umbonatus includes Schaeffer (1906) reports this species beaten frequently from oaks, Quercus (Fabaceae).