Mint Leaf Beetle vs Helena Olive Wireworm Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Mint Leaf Beetle | Helena Olive Wireworm Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chrysolina herbacea | Tarphius wollastoni |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Chrysomelidae | Zopheridae |
| Size | 7-10 mm | 0.3-0.6 cm |
| Habitat | Wetlands | Forests |
| Diet | Herbivores | Fungus Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Western Asia | St. Helena |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Critically Endangered |
Mint Leaf Beetle
A brilliant metallic green beetle that feeds exclusively on mint plants. Its coppery-green sheen makes it one of the most attractive European leaf beetles.
Did You Know?
It can strip a mint plant bare in days, yet its metallic green colour perfectly matches the leaves it devours.
Helena Olive Wireworm Beetle
A small beetle endemic to St. Helena in the South Atlantic. It is associated with decaying endemic gumwood trees.
Did You Know?
St. Helena's native gumwood forests have been reduced to a few tiny remnant patches since colonization.