Cryptorhynchus tristis
This record describes Cryptorhynchus tristis (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Pronotum with uniformly distributed erect or sub-erect scales, not arranged in concentrations or tufts; width almost as wide as elytra at base
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cryptorhynchinae
- Tribe
- Cryptorhynchini
- Genus
- Cryptorhynchus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
larvae under bark, adults feed on leaves at night
Geographic Range
e. US (TX-FL-NY-NE) & QC - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: host: Quercus coccinea (Fagaceae, scarlet oak)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cryptorhynchus tristis LeConte 1876
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cryptorhynchus tristis. 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 Cryptorhynchus tristis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , onegunah
Frequently Asked Questions About Cryptorhynchus tristis
What is Cryptorhynchus tristis?
Cryptorhynchus tristis is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Cryptorhynchus tristis?
4.0-6.0 mm
How do you identify Cryptorhynchus tristis?
Pronotum with uniformly distributed erect or sub-erect scales, not arranged in concentrations or tufts; width almost as wide as elytra at base
Where is Cryptorhynchus tristis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | larvae under bark, adults feed on leaves at night |
| Range | e. US (TX-FL-NY-NE) & QC - Map |
What does Cryptorhynchus tristis eat?
The diet of the Cryptorhynchus tristis includes host: Quercus coccinea (Fagaceae, scarlet oak).