African Earwig vs Spine-Tailed Earwig
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | African Earwig | Spine-Tailed Earwig |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Forficula senegalensis | Doru aculeatum |
| Order | Dermaptera | Dermaptera |
| Family | Forficulidae | Forficulidae |
| Size | 10-16 mm | 10-14 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Farmland |
| Diet | Detritivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Somalia) | 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.
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.
Spine-Tailed Earwig
A slender earwig found in cornfields and grassy habitats across eastern North America. It shelters in the leaf whorls of corn and other tall grasses.
Did You Know?
Farmers consider this earwig beneficial because it preys heavily on corn earworm eggs and aphids in crop fields.