Cybocephalus nipponicus
This record describes Cybocephalus nipponicus (species). Recorded family: Cybocephalidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
the only adventive cybocephaline in NA and our only sexually dimorphic species (males have a yellow to light brown head and pronotum or sometimes just a light brown head) Det. v belov, 2017 was misidentified as C. binotatus and released in FL to combat the Cycad Aulacaspis Scale
Wikipedia reference for Cybocephalus nipponicus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cybocephalus_nipponicus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cucujoidea
- Family
- Cybocephalidae
- Genus
- Cybocephalus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
adventive to MA‒FL‒TX - Map , native to SE Asia
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Diaspididae (recorded feeding on a dozen armored scale genera)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cybocephalus nipponicus Endrödy-Younga 1971
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cybocephalus nipponicus. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cybocephalus nipponicus
What is Cybocephalus nipponicus?
Cybocephalus nipponicus is a species in the family Cybocephalidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Cybocephalus nipponicus?
1.0‒1.35 mm (apex of clypeus to apex of elytra)
How do you identify Cybocephalus nipponicus?
the only adventive cybocephaline in NA and our only sexually dimorphic species (males have a yellow to light brown head and pronotum or sometimes just a light brown head) Det. v belov, 2017
Where is Cybocephalus nipponicus found?
Range: adventive to MA‒FL‒TX - Map , native to SE Asia
What does Cybocephalus nipponicus eat?
The diet of the Cybocephalus nipponicus includes Diaspididae (recorded feeding on a dozen armored scale genera).