Western Corn Rootworm vs Helena Olive Wireworm Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Western Corn Rootworm Helena Olive Wireworm Beetle
Scientific Name Diabrotica virgifera Tarphius wollastoni
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Chrysomelidae Zopheridae
Size 5-7 mm 0.3-0.6 cm
Habitat Farmland Forests
Diet Root Feeders Fungus Feeders
Regions North America, Europe St. Helena
Conservation Not Evaluated Critically Endangered

Western Corn Rootworm

One of the most economically damaging corn pests in North America. Larvae feed on corn roots, causing plants to lodge and reducing yields.

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Did You Know?

This beetle costs U.S. farmers over one billion dollars annually in crop losses and control expenses.

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.