Australian Giant Earwig vs Shore Earwig

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Australian Giant Earwig Shore Earwig
Scientific Name Titanolabis colossea Anisolabis littorea
Order Dermaptera Dermaptera
Family Anisolabididae Anisolabididae
Size 40-50 mm 20-28 mm
Habitat Woodlands Beaches & Coastal
Diet Herbivores Omnivores
Regions Oceania Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Australian Giant Earwig

The largest living earwig species, reaching up to 50 mm long. It is a burrowing, wingless species found in eastern Australia.

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Did You Know?

This enormous earwig can deliver a painful pinch with its massive forceps if handled carelessly.

Shore Earwig

A large wingless earwig native to New Zealand, found under stones and driftwood on rocky coasts. It has a shiny black body and stout cerci.

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Did You Know?

This earwig is highly adapted to coastal life and can survive being submerged by waves during high tide.