African Armyworm vs Lesser Earwig
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | African Armyworm | Lesser Earwig |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Spodoptera exempta | Labia minor |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Dermaptera |
| Family | Noctuidae | Spongiphoridae |
| Size | 28-35 mm wingspan | 5-7 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Gardens |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East, Southeast Asia, Oceania | Europe, North America, Asia |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
African Armyworm
A migratory pest moth whose caterpillars march in vast armies across cereal crops and grasslands in Africa. Outbreaks follow heavy rains and can destroy pastures and grain fields.
Did You Know?
A single outbreak swarm can contain millions of caterpillars marching together across fields like an army.
Lesser Earwig
The smallest European earwig and one of the few that readily flies. It is often found in compost heaps and manure piles where it feeds on fly larvae.
Did You Know?
Despite its tiny size, this earwig is one of the best fliers in the order and is regularly attracted to artificial lights.