ColeopteraCryptophagidae – Silken Fungus Beetles

Cryptophagus dentatus

This record describes Cryptophagus dentatus (species). Recorded family: Cryptophagidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Cryptophagus dentatus - Cryptophagus dentatus
Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by v belov

Cryptophagus dentatus (Cryptophagus dentatus) is a species in the family Cryptophagidae, commonly known as silken fungus beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Cryptophaginae, tribe Cryptophagini, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Cucujoidea. This species belongs to the genus Cryptophagus. As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. Size: 1.9-2.9 mm. It is found in Stored produce, fungi, under bark, etc..

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera (Beetles)
Suborder
Polyphaga
Superfamily
Cucujoidea
Family
Cryptophagidae (Silken Fungus Beetles)
Subfamily
Cryptophaginae
Tribe
Cryptophagini
Genus
Cryptophagus

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Habitat

Stored produce, fungi, under bark, etc. ( 5 )

Geographic Range

holarctic (across the Palaearctic and NA)

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Cryptophagus dentatus (Herbst 1793)

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cryptophagus dentatus. 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 Cryptophagus dentatus (5)

Cryptophagus dentatus - photo 1
Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by v belov
Cryptophagus dentatus - photo 2
Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by v belov
Cryptophagus dentatus - photo 3
Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by v belov
Cryptophagus dentatus - photo 4
Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by v belov
Cryptophagus dentatus - photo 5
Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by v belov

Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by v belov

Frequently Asked Questions About Cryptophagus dentatus

What is Cryptophagus dentatus?

Cryptophagus dentatus is a species in the family Cryptophagidae, within the order Coleoptera.

How big is Cryptophagus dentatus?

1.9-2.9 mm

Where is Cryptophagus dentatus found?
FeatureDetails
HabitatStored produce, fungi, under bark, etc. ( 5 )
Rangeholarctic (across the Palaearctic and NA)

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

Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by v belov. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.