Bat Earwig vs Cigarette Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Bat Earwig Cigarette Beetle
Scientific Name Arixenia esau Lasioderma serricorne
Order Dermaptera Coleoptera
Family Arixeniidae Ptinidae
Size 15-25 mm 2-3 mm
Habitat Caves Gardens
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Southeast Asia, Borneo, Philippines Worldwide
Conservation Data Deficient Not Evaluated

Bat Earwig

A remarkable wingless earwig that lives exclusively in bat caves, clinging to the bodies and roosting areas of naked bulldog bats. It has reduced eyes and modified forceps.

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Did You Know?

Arixeniidae and Hemimeridae are the only earwig families that are viviparous, giving birth to live young.

Cigarette Beetle

A tiny, reddish-brown beetle that infests stored tobacco, spices, and dried foods. It is one of the most widespread stored-product pests.

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Did You Know?

It can chew through tin foil and even reportedly survives eating dried chili peppers.