Bat Earwig vs Pygmy Earwig

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Bat Earwig Pygmy Earwig
Scientific Name Arixenia esau Diplatys flavicollis
Order Dermaptera Dermaptera
Family Arixeniidae Diplatyidae
Size 15-25 mm 6-10 mm
Habitat Caves Woodlands
Diet Omnivores Detritivores
Regions Southeast Asia, Borneo, Philippines Africa, Asia
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.

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Did You Know?

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

Pygmy Earwig

A tiny tropical earwig with regenerative cerci that can regrow if broken.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most earwigs its cerci are segmented and can regenerate after autotomy.