Australian Gall Thrips vs Small Earwig

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Australian Gall Thrips Small Earwig
Scientific Name Kladothrips intermedius Apterygida media
Order Thysanoptera Dermaptera
Family Phlaeothripidae Forficulidae
Size 1-3 mm 7-10 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Gall Makers Detritivores
Regions Australia Europe
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Australian Gall Thrips

A eusocial thrips from Australia that induces galls on Acacia trees and defends them with a soldier caste. They are among the only thrips species to show true eusociality.

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Did You Know?

Their soldiers have enlarged forelegs used to crush and kill kleptoparasitic thrips that try to invade their galls.

Small Earwig

A small reddish-brown earwig found in woodland leaf litter across Europe. Males have strongly curved forceps while females have nearly straight ones.

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Did You Know?

The dramatic difference in forceps shape between males and females is one of the most pronounced sexual dimorphisms among earwigs.