About 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.
How to Identify Helena Olive Wireworm Beetle
Helena Olive Wireworm Beetle (Tarphius wollastoni) belongs to the order Coleoptera, family Zopheridae. Adults typically measure 0.3-0.6 cm.
Helena Olive Wireworm Beetle Habitat
Helena Olive Wireworm Beetle is found in forests habitats, particularly across St. Helena. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Helena Olive Wireworm Beetle Diet and Feeding
Helena Olive Wireworm Beetle feeds on fungi and moulds. Fungus-feeding insects help regulate fungal populations and contribute to decomposition processes.
Where Is Helena Olive Wireworm Beetle Found?
Helena Olive Wireworm Beetle can be found in St. Helena, where it inhabits forests environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Helena Olive Wireworm Beetle can be found
Is Helena Olive Wireworm Beetle Dangerous?
Helena Olive Wireworm Beetle is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Helena Olive Wireworm Beetle Role in Nature
Helena Olive Wireworm Beetle plays a role in its ecosystem as part of the food web, serving as both consumer and prey. Insects like Helena Olive Wireworm Beetle are a vital food source for birds, bats, and other wildlife, and contribute to the overall health and balance of their environment.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Helena Olive Wireworm Beetle
What does Helena Olive Wireworm Beetle look like?
The Helena Olive Wireworm Beetle typically measures 0.3-0.6 cm.
Where is Helena Olive Wireworm Beetle found?
The Helena Olive Wireworm Beetle is found in St. Helena and typically inhabits forests environments.
What does Helena Olive Wireworm Beetle eat?
The Helena Olive Wireworm Beetle feeds on fungi and moulds.
Is Helena Olive Wireworm Beetle dangerous to humans?
The Helena Olive Wireworm Beetle is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
Is Helena Olive Wireworm Beetle endangered?
The Helena Olive Wireworm Beetle is currently classified as Critically Endangered by conservation assessments. Habitat loss and environmental changes are among the primary threats to its population.
What is an interesting fact about Helena Olive Wireworm Beetle?
St. Helena's native gumwood forests have been reduced to a few tiny remnant patches since colonization.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Helena Olive Wireworm Beetle (Tarphius wollastoni). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/helena-olive-wireworm-beetle
MLA:
"Helena Olive Wireworm Beetle." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/helena-olive-wireworm-beetle.