Helena Olive Wireworm Beetle vs Malagasy Tiger Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Helena Olive Wireworm Beetle Malagasy Tiger Beetle
Scientific Name Tarphius wollastoni Pogonostoma elegans
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Zopheridae Cicindelidae
Size 0.3-0.6 cm 15-22 mm
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Fungus Feeders Predators
Regions St. Helena Madagascar
Conservation Critically Endangered Least Concern

Helena Olive Wireworm Beetle

A small beetle endemic to St. Helena in the South Atlantic. It is associated with decaying endemic gumwood trees.

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Did You Know?

St. Helena's native gumwood forests have been reduced to a few tiny remnant patches since colonization.

Malagasy Tiger Beetle

A brilliantly colored tiger beetle endemic to Madagascar with metallic green, blue, or purple elytra. It is a fast, agile predator that runs down prey on the forest floor.

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Did You Know?

Madagascar has one of the world's highest diversities of tiger beetles, with the genus Pogonostoma containing over 100 endemic species.