Cryptocephalus mutabilis

Melsheimer, 1847

Shield-backed Cryptocephalus

Cryptocephalus mutabilis is a of case-bearing leaf beetle in the Chrysomelidae. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from Canada (Manitoba, Ontario, and Québec). The species belongs to a large of small to medium-sized leaf beetles commonly known as case-bearers due to their habit of constructing protective cases from fecal material and shed skins.

Case-bearing Leaf Beetle - Cryptocephalus mutabilis, Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Woodbridge, Virginia, September 29, 2023 (53533202420) by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cryptocephalus mutabilis: //ˌkrɪptəˈsɛfələs mjuːˈtæbɪlɪs//

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Distribution

North America. Confirmed records from Manitoba, Ontario, and Québec in Canada. The is present across North America broadly, though specific United States records are not detailed in available sources.

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Taxonomic notes

The was described by Melsheimer in 1847. It is one of approximately 400 species in the Cryptocephalus, a diverse group of leaf beetles distributed primarily in the Northern Hemisphere.

Observation data

As of the data available, iNaturalist records 335 observations of this , indicating it is moderately well-documented by citizen scientists, though detailed biological information remains limited in published sources.

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