African Earwig vs Maritime Earwig
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | African Earwig | Maritime Earwig |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Forficula senegalensis | Anisolabis maritima |
| Order | Dermaptera | Dermaptera |
| Family | Forficulidae | Anisolabididae |
| Size | 10-16 mm | 18-25 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Detritivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Somalia) | Europe, North America, Asia, Oceania |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
African Earwig
A small, dark brown earwig with distinctive curved cerci (pincers) at the tip of the abdomen. It is nocturnal and hides in dark crevices during the day.
Did You Know?
Mother earwigs exhibit remarkable maternal care, guarding their eggs and cleaning them to prevent fungal infection, then protecting the nymphs after hatching.
Maritime Earwig
A wingless earwig found in coastal habitats, living under driftwood and seaweed on beaches. It is dark brown to black with robust forceps.
Did You Know?
This earwig is one of the few insects adapted to the harsh intertidal zone, tolerating brief submersion in saltwater.