Bat Earwig vs Tunisian Desert Mantis
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Bat Earwig | Tunisian Desert Mantis |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Arixenia esau | Eremiaphila berndstiewi |
| Order | Dermaptera | Mantodea |
| Family | Arixeniidae | Eremiaphilidae |
| Size | 15-25 mm | 15-22 mm |
| Habitat | Caves | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Southeast Asia, Borneo, Philippines | Tunisia |
| Conservation | Data Deficient | Data Deficient |
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.
Tunisian Desert Mantis
A recently described desert mantis from southern Tunisia. It has an extremely flattened body that helps it hide under stones and in crevices.
Did You Know?
It was only described as a new species in 2012, showing how poorly known desert mantises remain.