Helena Olive Wireworm Beetle vs Red-shouldered Rove Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Helena Olive Wireworm Beetle Red-shouldered Rove Beetle
Scientific Name Tarphius wollastoni Tachinus rufipes
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Zopheridae Staphylinidae
Size 0.3-0.6 cm 5-8 mm
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Fungus Feeders Fungus Feeders
Regions St. Helena Holarctic: Europe, Asia, North America
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.

Red-shouldered Rove Beetle

A robust, medium-sized rove beetle with reddish-brown legs and a shiny dark body. It is one of the most ubiquitous Tachyporinae in northern temperate forests and agricultural landscapes.

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Did You Know?

This species has a remarkably broad diet and habitat range, making it one of the most ecologically versatile rove beetles.