Cryptocephalus venustus
This record describes Cryptocephalus venustus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Color highly variable. The pronotum is not swollen as in C. gibbosus and the anterior margin of prosternum is produced into a spine-like lobe in the male and into a somewhat less pointed lobe in the female outer vitta much reduced, represented by one, two, or three spots; females (fig. 87). venustus ornatulus Clavareau
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 to AB (QC-FL to AB-NM) - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Polyphagous ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cryptocephalus venustus Fabricius 1787
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cryptocephalus venustus. 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 venustus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , Edward Ruden
Frequently Asked Questions About Cryptocephalus venustus
What is Cryptocephalus venustus?
Cryptocephalus venustus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Cryptocephalus venustus?
5.3-6.1 mm
How do you identify Cryptocephalus venustus?
Color highly variable. The pronotum is not swollen as in C. gibbosus and the anterior margin of prosternum is produced into a spine-like lobe in the male and into a somewhat less pointed lobe in the female outer vitta much reduced, represented by one, two, or three spots; females (fig. 87). venustus ornatulus Clavareau
Where is Cryptocephalus venustus found?
Range: e. NA to AB (QC-FL to AB-NM) - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 )
What does Cryptocephalus venustus eat?
The diet of the Cryptocephalus venustus includes Polyphagous ( 5 ).