African Earwig vs Reddish-Brown Stag Rove Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute African Earwig Reddish-Brown Stag Rove Beetle
Scientific Name Forficula senegalensis Platydracus cinnamopterus
Order Dermaptera Coleoptera
Family Forficulidae Staphylinidae
Size 10-16 mm 12-18 mm
Habitat Woodlands Forests
Diet Detritivores Detritivores
Regions East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Somalia) Eastern North America
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.

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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.

Reddish-Brown Stag Rove Beetle

A robust rove beetle with cinnamon-brown elytra and a black head. It is commonly found under bark and in forest leaf litter.

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Did You Know?

Males have enlarged mandibles used in combat with rivals over territory and mates.