Bat Earwig vs Melissa Arctic
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Bat Earwig | Melissa Arctic |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Arixenia esau | Oeneis melissa |
| Order | Dermaptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Arixeniidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 15-25 mm | 40-50 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Caves | Mountains |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Southeast Asia, Borneo, Philippines | Arctic and subarctic North America, Rocky Mountain alpine zones |
| Conservation | Data Deficient | Least Concern |
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.
Did You Know?
Arixeniidae and Hemimeridae are the only earwig families that are viviparous, giving birth to live young.
Melissa Arctic
A gray-brown butterfly with subtle orange patches and small blind eyespots. The hindwing underside features dark, bark-like striations for camouflage. It has an erratic, bouncing flight that makes it hard to track.
Did You Know?
Populations on isolated mountain peaks are considered glacial relicts, stranded since the last Ice Age when the tundra receded northward.