Black Earwig vs Hop-Garden Earwig

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Black Earwig Hop-Garden Earwig
Scientific Name Chelisoches morio Forficula lesnei
Order Dermaptera Dermaptera
Family Chelisochidae Forficulidae
Size 15-20 mm 9-13 mm
Habitat Farmland Gardens
Diet Fruit Feeders Detritivores
Regions Asia, Oceania Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Black Earwig

A glossy black earwig with reddish legs commonly found in tropical regions. It is often associated with banana plantations and palm trees.

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Did You Know?

The black earwig has been spread throughout the tropics via the banana trade and is now pantropical in distribution.

Hop-Garden Earwig

A small earwig closely related to the European earwig but distinguished by its shorter wing cases. It is found in southern European gardens and orchards.

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Did You Know?

This species was long confused with the European earwig and was only recognized as distinct in the early twentieth century.